Any Talk of Releasing Josh Jacobs Is Silly
The Packers have a lot of work to do this offseason, don't add more by releasing Josh Jacobs.
By Dan Saia
The NFL offseason is officially here now that the Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror. Unfortunately for us Packers fans, it’s been the offseason for a number of weeks already. I have seen a few talking points these past few weeks regarding the state of the roster, with who might come and who might go being the most discussed topics thus far. Many make sense, such as Malik Willis and Rasheed Walker leaving for bigger contracts in free agency. Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins have also been mentioned as players the Packers might (and should) release from their contracts due to potential cap space relief and poor play on the field. One potential salary cap casualty I have seen mentioned, however, makes no sense to me, and that’s Josh Jacobs.
The reason for cutting Jacobs would really only be financially driven. He carries with him a cap hit of $14.6 million in 2026, which is good for the fourth-highest in the NFL at his position. For a team that is currently over the allotted salary cap, that is a decent chunk of money that could be used to address other roster needs such as cornerback or defensive line. Maybe the Packers would roll the dice and try a “running back by committee” approach, turning to Emmanuel Wilson and a draft pick to be their primary backs. After all, running back is maybe the most replaceable position in the sport. Jacobs did miss some time in 2025, and one might even say that Father Time is starting to catch up to him. But I still think what he brings to this team far outweighs his cap hit.
When Josh Jacobs gets going, the Packers offense follows right behind him. In two of the Packers’ best wins this past season, Jacobs was the leading man. In Detroit on Thanksgiving, Jacobs carried 17 times for 83 yards and really helped open up the passing game, allowing Jordan Love and Dontayvion Wicks to take advantage. Later in the season, in what would be the Packers’ final win of the year against the Bears at home, Jacobs logged only 12 carries for 36 yards due to a knee injury he was nursing. But when the Packers offense needed someone to carry them, it was Jacobs they leaned on. On that final drive, he touched the ball six times in eight total plays, which included a 21-yard run on third down (one of the best runs by a Packers back I’ve seen in years) and the game-winning touchdown. Those are the types of runs that will be very hard to replace if they moved on from Jacobs.
Now, it can be stated as true that Jacobs didn’t have as good of a season in 2025 as he did in his first year as a Packer in 2024. But looking at some of the numbers more closely, it wasn’t as bad as you might think. In 2024, Jacobs averaged one broken tackle for every 4.56 carries, had a 10-yard run on 11.0 percent of his carries, and gained 79.2 percent of his yards after contact. In 2025, he averaged one broken tackle for every 4.98 carries, had a 10-yard run on 9.8 percent of his carries, and gained 77.2 percent of his yards after contact. A lot of that can be attributed to offensive line play and their season-to-season decline. Watching the season back, there are so many times where Jacobs got to the line of scrimmage and was already being met with contact, and even getting back to the line was a big accomplishment. Fixing the offensive line should be one of the biggest priorities for the team, and Jacobs will improve naturally as a result.
He also showed he can continue to be a contributor in the passing game. He actually finished second on the team with 36 receptions, behind pending free agent Romeo Doubs. That incredible touchdown catch in Denver, where he mossed the defender, shows he was underutilized in that role. Of the 24 backs with at least 33 catches, he was the only one without a drop. The Packers are already going to have to replace their leading receiver in terms of volume next year (Doubs). Will they really want to replace their second as well?
Perhaps the most important factor is their lack of depth behind him. With Wilson and Chris Brooks’ impending free agent status, the only other running backs under contract are MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr., and Damien Martinez. Nobody can realistically know if Lloyd is ever going to be a player who sees the field, let alone one the Packers can count on. He has played a grand total of one game as a professional in two seasons. Putting any stock in him to the point of releasing Jacobs would be foolhardy. The same can be said for Strong Jr. and Martinez, who should be able to battle it out with a rookie for a spot on the practice squad and potentially the fourth option.
I have seen the idea floated of the Packers signing Breece Hall and, in turn, releasing Jacobs, similar to the Aaron Jones release when the Packers signed Jacobs back in 2024. In theory, that could be possible. Spotrac is projecting a four-year deal worth around $41 million for Hall, an average of $10.5 million AAV. But I just don’t see it. There are so many other teams in the league with cap space to burn that the Packers likely wouldn’t be able to win a bidding war for the 24-year-old back. I also think they are going to be very cautious with signing free agents this offseason due to the compensatory draft pick haul they are projected to receive in 2027 when the group of free agents in Doubs, Willis, and Walker leave. They are better off taking whatever money and free agent options they can realistically acquire and placing them toward the positions that were actually a problem last season. Leave Jacobs right where he is and let him be the bell cow of the 2026 Green Bay Packers.
-Dan Saia
Comments (49)
Heyward
February 12, 2026 at 11:16 am
Good RBs are a dime a dozen, and that's what Jacobs is. Pay big money for elite RBs, and that's what Jacobs isn't.
Packers0808
February 12, 2026 at 11:33 am
And what dime are dozen oh swami do you replace his production with? You a Vikings or Bare s fan?
Starrbrite
February 12, 2026 at 06:54 pm
Wrong!!!
Tundraboy
February 13, 2026 at 08:27 pm
And running backs that can make that catch are a rare breed.
lou
February 12, 2026 at 11:17 am
The reasons to keep him are production, experience, age, leadership and a the heart and drive of a young Jim Taylor plus the fact that MarShawn Lloyd will be in camp in his third year of his rookie deal, but he has been unavailable 35 times in his 36-game career.
Guam
February 12, 2026 at 12:01 pm
The silly season has started. Cutting Jacobs would be nuts. He is the big back that LaFleur likes for his run game, he is a team leader in the locker room and on the field and he has not underperformed his contract.
splitpea1
February 12, 2026 at 12:24 pm
"The silly season has started." LOL, exactly my same thought. I had seen a passing reference to it somewhere else, but there's no point in creating or expounding on a manufactured crisis that won't pass.
dobber
February 12, 2026 at 01:50 pm
Jacobs spent too much of '25 dinged up and that impacted his availability and his effectiveness when he returned. But Jacobs is a bull and he plays hard: he's a tone-setter for the offense.
That said, the OL often makes the runner, and a better OL will give Jacobs more room to roam. Get him back to 100% and get a solid back to spell him. Wilson and Brooks are both RFAs, so they could tender at right of first refusal if they really want either back--or let them test the market and try to sign them for less. The Packers don't have the latitude to cut a good back to chase another big contract, so I don't see that happening (unless they decide they want a shot at someone like Tyler Allgeier, who is one of my favorite backup backs who could be awesome in the right place).
I think the Packers could free up about $6.5M in a max restructure on Jacobs, but it increases his cap hit (and dead money if they move on) in '27.
BuckyBadger
February 12, 2026 at 02:55 pm
RBs who start to get dinged up usually start to trend that way more and more. The body only has so many carries in it.
stockholder
February 12, 2026 at 02:08 pm
It takes money to fix a team.
The question is; are we fixing a team.
A team that wants to win a super-bowl.
Or is Green Bay just a career move?
TKWorldWide
February 12, 2026 at 05:28 pm
On second thought, let us not go to Camelot.
It is a silly place.
dobber
February 12, 2026 at 06:48 pm
No
No
It's too perilous.
TKWorldWide
February 12, 2026 at 06:53 pm
LOL
Tis but a scratch!
dobber
February 13, 2026 at 07:18 am
I think I might pull through, sir!
LeotisHarris
February 12, 2026 at 02:39 pm
I'll just leave this here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfwTRVnO5No
Spock
February 12, 2026 at 03:11 pm
Thanks, Leotis.
I needed a little Monty Python to lift my spirits today! Sometimes "Silly" actually is necessary!
GreenandBold
February 12, 2026 at 02:40 pm
He’s not going anywhere . He had a tough season with a poor run blocking line and a few injuries . He never gave up played hurt and not only led by example but preached it in the locker room . If the Packers had 40 of these guys they’d be SB Champs .
Tundraboy
February 13, 2026 at 08:32 pm
And isn't that what the Packer Way was about long before phrases like that even became a thing.
BuckyBadger
February 12, 2026 at 02:54 pm
I don't think it is silly at all. He is 28 which is old for RBs and he has a lot of carries going all the way back to Bama. Once they start to loose that pop at the LOS they rarely, if ever, gain it back. It is a position that takes a ton of punishment and when they drop off, it happens fast. Like Belichick and Parcels before him said, "better to cut them loose a year early than a year late".
Of course they need a plan just like they did when they moved on from Aaron Jones. This writer could have penned this same article 3 years ago and said it would be silly to cut Jones and many people here would have agreed for the same reasons. Even if they don't cut Jacobs they better have a plan because the chances he stays healthy and they don't need another back to carry the load is slim. For that reason alone it makes sense to maybe look in a different direction. It isn't the popular move but it might be the correct one.
GregC
February 12, 2026 at 03:18 pm
They cut Aaron Jones two years ago, not three. By that point, there was plenty of speculation that they at least needed a viable alternative to Jones, because he was injured so much during the 2023 season. I don't think we are nearly to that point with Jacobs. Also, they are not in a position to sign a high priced replacement, as they were then.
BuckyBadger
February 13, 2026 at 09:59 am
Why wait to get to that point with Jacobs? He showed signs of slowing down this year and that rarely ever turns around at his age. You don't need to spend a lot at RB to get a replacement. There are guys to sign for a lot cheaper who could do just as well as Jacobs can now.
GregC
February 13, 2026 at 12:39 pm
I get where you're coming from. I just don't think they are there with Jacobs. If they give up on him this quickly, I would have to wonder why they signed him in the first place. Of course, they know a lot more than we do about his physical condition, and that will be a big part of their decision.
pack1487
February 12, 2026 at 03:22 pm
Jacobs is a legitimate bell cow. Aaron Jones due to size or whatever was always splitting carriers or hurt. They're completely different scenarios
BuckyBadger
February 13, 2026 at 09:58 am
Jacobs is showing signs of wear now. That won't get better.
Tundraboy
February 13, 2026 at 09:22 pm
I remember a lot of people kept saying that about Frank Gore, and he ended up playing another half dozen years or more. Heart matters too.
Starrbrite
February 12, 2026 at 07:07 pm
Bucky—30 yoa has been in the past the starting line for what most GM’s consider “old” RBs.
BuckyBadger
February 13, 2026 at 09:58 am
Sorry but 30 is ancient for the RB position. The shelf life for a RB is shorter than all the other positions, they tend to start to go the other way.
dobber
February 13, 2026 at 10:37 am
Agreed. Only a small number of RBs make it to 30. There are always younger, cheaper options.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 13, 2026 at 10:32 am
Big difference. When they let Jones go he was coming off a year with 2 TDS. He’d just had a run of great games but overall wasn’t a great year.
Jacobs had a down year for him in 2025 but still scored 13 TDS. That’s not easy to replace. He’s also younger than Jones was when they moved on from himmm
Oxymoron 3339
February 12, 2026 at 03:02 pm
I love Jacobs. We will need to manage his carries early in the season and we need a good line not a bunch of JAGS.
If we improve the line that will improve the running game which will improve the passing game too.
jvole
February 12, 2026 at 04:02 pm
In short yardage, he sniffs out the endzone like a hound. For that reason alone, I'd keep him.
Just need a better line in front of him.
LLCHESTY
February 13, 2026 at 07:38 pm
Could be a tall order with Butkus still there. I was pretty certain they'd move in from him. Really hoping they'd grab someone that had been teaching the power/gap scheme and get more out of the guts they have.
Since'75
February 12, 2026 at 04:51 pm
One thing i didn't see in any of this, was scoring impact.
Jacobs had 16 TD's in 2024.
He had 14 TD's in 2025.
I don't know about any of you, but that seems rather productive to me.
This loosely reminds me of Jordy Nelson.
After his ACL injury, he came back for the 2016 season and led the league in TD's with 14 (with Rodgers)
In the 2017 season he scored 6 TD's in the first 5 games (with Rodgers)
THEN.....Hundley came in...lol
And Nelson didn't do much the rest of the season.
Gute, at the end of the season, gave Jordy a choice, be cut, or reduce his contract to the veterans minimum.
Gute figured...along with some Packer fans, that ALL OF A SUDDEN after Rodgers got hurt, Nelson lost it....lol
He didn't have it anymore.
Well, with Rodgers in 2017, he was on pace for 19 TD's, if Rodgers didn't get hurt.
Funny thing....... was it a coincidence that Jordy JUST lost his skills, when Hundley was starting?
What's wrong with that picture?
That was 2018, and Gute still hasn't replaced him and his production..
That was also the 1st chapter of Gute's GM career.
That was also the 1st time Gute left a bad taste in my mouth.
It was a classless move to a highly productive player, and a even better Green Bay Packer.
Jordy didn't deserve that bush league move.
And yes, it still pisses me off today.
There aren't much better men off/or on the field like Jordy was for the Packers.
Moral of the story is, you just don't get rid of scoring machines that were/are still doing it, like Nelson and Jacobs.
`14-16 TD players a season in the NFL, don't grow on tree's.
How many draft picks did Gute use to try and replace Jordy?
12 of them....and none of them have come remotely close.
Take a bow Gut(ey)
Congratulations on your extension and raise.
Now go out and try to win something (post Rodgers), like your Division!!
Savage57
February 13, 2026 at 05:49 am
Gute had a two-option decision with Cobb and Nelson.
He chose poorly.
Since'75
February 13, 2026 at 06:36 am
Yea 57.....
Cobb had some memorable catches.
But the truth of the matter was when he got paid after his 2014 season, his production declined the next 4 seasons with the Packers.
GregC
February 13, 2026 at 12:54 pm
It was a tough call with Jordy, but I agreed with Gute's decision. Jordy only played one more season after that and posted middling stats for a 4-12 Raiders team. Gute projected that Davante Adams was ready to take over as WR 1, and he did: 1,386 yards and 13 TDs in 2018. You can knock Gute's later decisions at WR, but Jordy would not have been around much longer anyway.
Since'75
February 13, 2026 at 09:00 pm
Obviously, the point was missed.
Rodgers and Jordy were a scoring machine, right up until the point Rodgers got injured.
The best QB/WR tandem in the league, period.
********
No, Jordy didn't excel to his normal production with the raiders. Two reasons i see for that.
1) It's the Raiders, that's like going to play for the Jets and Browns.
2) Jordy had Derek Carr, who threw a total of 19 TD passes in '18
Jordy was the #1 wide receiver on that shit team in catches.
Derek Carr was not Aaron Rodgers, yes, it matters.
*******
"......
"You can knock Gute's later decisions at WR, but Jordy would not have been around much longer anyway."
Gutes choice was keep Jordy, or Cobb, he picked Cobb, because he was younger (as reported).
Problem was, his contract was up, and they weren't going to resign him anyway so it didn't make any sense, as i said back when it happened at T P's down the hall
Cobb had 2 TD catches for the Packers in 2018. His last season in Green Bay. 🤷♂️
Gute picked Cobb over Nelson, and got 2 TD's from Cobb.
The End......Brilliant!!
Not only that, Cobb's production each season was declining since 2014.
********
This brings to the surface my assessment so far of Gute.
F him....win something.
Don't tell me the goal is to win the Super Bowl.
Show me, don't tell me!!!........WIN SOMETHING.
Throw us a bone Gut(ey)
Beat the Vikings, Lions, Bears!!
Win the Division!
Win something!?!?
Since'75
February 13, 2026 at 09:19 pm
"Gute projected that Davante Adams was ready to take over as WR 1, and he did:"
Well...lol
OF COURSE he did, Jordy was gone and there were no other #1 worthy receivers on the roster! DUH
Hence, why Adams was targeted 169 times.
MVS was next best with 73 targets, and a 50% catch rate.
A catch rate usually reserved for players on the bench, or cut from the roster.
Holy S..., is that enough yet, or? 🥱😲🤷♂️
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 05:35 pm
Nobody is saying what we would save by moving on from Jacobs. Unless it was really substantial, like what we save by releasing Jenkins, it's a lateral move.
Jacobs is at the age when most RBs start going the wrong direction, but the downturn in rushing yards was more an offensive line problem than Jacobs going downhill. When RBs are getting hit 2 yards deep in the backfield, it's surely not their fault.
I would love to be able to sign Breece Hall. On a good team he is a Pro-Bowl complete RB. I also would love to see a healthy Marshawn Lloyd to see what he could do. GB thought when they drafted him he might replace Jacobs for alot less $$. So far Lloyd is a failure, just like Musgrave.
I would take a late round flyer on Adam Randall-Clemson, 6'2 240 lbs. A converted big WR and maybe "poor mans Derrick Henry." Big, fast, great hands, and can block. 6th round.
Starrbrite
February 12, 2026 at 07:21 pm
I always take your word for potential draftee’s.
Starrbrite
February 12, 2026 at 06:57 pm
This would be an absurd move and will obviously not happen.
I was extremely jazzed when we signed Jacobs and imo he and Kraft are the two players that play with a supreme passion to win.
Need more of these types.
Go Packers!!!
Swisch
February 12, 2026 at 07:05 pm
With Jacobs under contract and under age 30 (just turned 28 yesterday), keep him.
What sets him apart, in addition to production, is that he seems to be a great teammate.
When you've got a player with both high talent and high character, hold onto him as long as possible.
Those kinds of guys are winners, and we want as many of them as possible.
Also, let the young guys know that if they show up on and off the field, the Packers want to elevate you.
I would go so far as to say keep Jacobs and use him a little less. Sometimes less is more, especially over the course of a long season.
We want Jacobs humming in the playoffs.
***
Sad to say, it's not feasible to give guys long-term contracts that are expensive if they go past age 30.
It was truly sad to see Aaron Jones go, but his age and propensity to injury didn't add up.
These are tough calls, but generally speaking age 30 seems the tipping point. Players can still contribute a lot, but not as much as they did in the past. They're not worth premium contracts anymore.
Many of these players might want to think about retirement at about 30, anyway, for their long-term health.
Please guys, budget your money for the decades to come after your career.
Since'75
February 13, 2026 at 06:44 am
Agreed......
We need more players with heart, and a winning mentality, see Parsons, Jacobs, etc.
No offence Rashan.
Snap the ball
February 12, 2026 at 10:03 pm
It appears week after week after week. This is a guy who puts it on the line to WIN WEEK AFTER WEEK.
it would be nice to get some blocking so he doesn’t get touched 1 yard in the back field almost all year , hard to get much going.
LETS get some hungry linemen that actually want to play ball all year or way overpay for linemen from other teams.
We would after been better off keeping Myers and Jenkins at left quard.
The whole SEASON CHANGED WHEN GUTEY SCREWED THAT UP JENKINS TO CENTER BUSINESS……THAT WAS THE SEASON STARTED THE WHOLE MESS
FLIP FLOPPING LINEMEN……YOU SPENT 40 million on a guy who didn’t block and could have kept JOSH FOR BETTER RESULTS. THE REASON WHY WE WONT BE ABLE TO PAY FOLKS BECAUSE OF THAT DUMB MOVE
THAT KNOW ONE TALKS ABOUT ..
SEATTLE GOOD O LINE. WE OVER PAYED AND THATS WHY WE ENDED UP THEY WAY WE DID. O LINE.
JOSH JACOBS ISNT THE PROBLEM
Since'75
February 13, 2026 at 06:41 am
^PREACH^
dobber
February 13, 2026 at 07:23 am
Someone's been hitting the Red Bulls pretty hard.
WD
February 13, 2026 at 07:53 am
I think many of us honestly were disappointed with the running game this past season. Granted, there were injuries and the O-line was questionable. However, it is reasonable for the Packers to make an honest assessment of our RBs and that includes Jacobs. No one fears our running game anymore. We need a dynamic duo and I would not rule out adding new blood. I am looking forward to seeing Lloyd and Strong jr. display their talents. We know they both have great potential.. We will have to wait and see. In the mean time I would keep Jacobs.
golfpacker61
February 13, 2026 at 07:48 pm
I am a Pierre Strong fan as well WD. He has good size and runs in the mid 4.3s.
I was so glad when we drafted Marshawn Lloyd, he is fast, very shifty, and has great hands. It doesn't mean much if he can't stay on the field. I think 2026 is his last chance in GB. He isn't worth the $2 million it would cost us in 2027.
jlc1
February 13, 2026 at 03:17 pm
So silly that......we should talk about it?