Raiders' slow Josh Jacobs contract negotiations hint at an Aaron Rodgers deal

Surprisingly, the Raiders have not discussed a contract extension with RB Josh Jacobs. The lack of urgency hints Las Vegas could be making more cap room to acquire a franchise QB like Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers.

According to Oddschecker, the Raiders are the favorite to land the Packers QB, who could be traded this offseason. 

However, Las Vegas must make more cap space to accommodate a potential trade centered around Rodgers, who has two years remaining on his contract with $101.4M guaranteed, per OverTheCap. 

The Raiders have $19.8M in cap room, so they must cut costs if they plan on making a run at Rodgers. 

Trading or cutting Derek Carr before Feb. 15 saves $29.2-34.9M while letting Jacobs, an impending free agent, walk could save $10.1M since they don't have to apply the franchise tag.

The desire to save money for a massive move might explain why they have yet to approach Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing (1,653 yards), about a contract extension. 

On Saturday, when reporters asked Jacobs about contract negotiations in a news conference, Jacobs said, "We ain't talked yet, so I don't know."

Although Jacobs is a Pro Bowler, teams usually prioritize QBs over RBs, especially if a player like Rodgers, a four-time league MVP, is on the radar.