Marcus Allen, who spent 16 seasons in the NFL, has spoken out about the current running back market.

Allen has been a mentor to Las Vegas Raiders' star Josh Jacobs, who has decided not to sign his $10.091 million franchise tag and remain away from the team.

"I clearly understand what he’s going through," Allen said of Jacobs.

"I’m just going to say it -- it's almost like collusion. They decided that the running back position is one that their productivity is only for a short period of time, instead of looking at each and every one individually. They've decided, as a group, that they're not going to pay them. So, I can understand what [running backs are] thinking and what they're feeling. So, hopefully things get resolved, because to me, [Jacobs is] like the heart and soul of the team."

Jacobs ran for 1,653 yards in 2022, becoming the first Raiders player to lead the NFL in rushing since Allen did in his MVP season of 1985.