Josh Jacobs Is Thriving in Green Bay - But Will the Packers Stick With Him?
When the Packers signed Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million deal back in March 2024, the message was clear: short-term impact, long-term flexibility. Former Green Bay executive Andrew Brandt summed it up perfectly - “one year, and we’ll see.” Now, with Jacobs delivering exactly what the Packers hoped for, the front office has a big decision looming.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Two years ago, it would’ve been hard to imagine Green Bay cutting ties with Aaron Jones - especially after the veteran back had just rattled off five straight 100-yard games, including two in the postseason, and nearly powered the team to the NFC title game.
But the NFL doesn’t wait for sentiment. The Packers made a cold, calculated move, betting on Jacobs’ youth and upside.
And so far, that gamble is paying off.
Jacobs has been everything the Packers could’ve hoped for - and then some. He’s on track for another 1,000-yard season and has already punched in 11 touchdowns.
He’s running with the same blend of power and vision that made him a Pro Bowler in Las Vegas, and he’s doing it behind a Green Bay offensive line that’s finally starting to gel. In short, he’s been a home-run free-agent signing.
But here’s the thing: the deal was structured with an off-ramp. Green Bay can move on this offseason and create $8.4 million in cap space.
That’s not a coincidence - it’s by design. The front office essentially gave itself a “try-before-you-buy” scenario, with minimal long-term risk.
And now comes the hard part: deciding whether Jacobs is worth the full investment.
Jacobs turns 28 in February and is nearing the end of his seventh NFL season. That’s not old by real-world standards, but for a running back with nearly 400 touches since arriving in Green Bay, it’s a number that makes teams pause.
The question isn’t whether he’s producing now - he clearly is. The question is whether he can sustain it into 2026 and beyond.
The Packers have some internal options to consider. Emanuel Wilson has flashed when given opportunities, and rookie MarShawn Lloyd could be back in the mix soon.
Both are younger, cheaper, and carry far less tread on the tires. And if the front office wants to make another splash?
There’s always the possibility of chasing a younger star like Breece Hall in free agency. Hall will be heading into his age-25 season in 2026 and has already racked up over 3,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns with the Jets.
That’s the kind of talent that could tempt a team looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Still, Jacobs hasn’t given the Packers a reason to doubt him - not yet. His cap hit jumps to $14.63 million next season, but for a top-tier back producing at his level, that’s still manageable. The real issue is philosophical: do the Packers want to keep investing premium dollars at a position that’s often seen as replaceable?
This isn’t just about Jacobs. It’s about timing, roster construction, and how Green Bay wants to build around its young core.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has to weigh the short-term production against long-term sustainability. And he’s done this before.
Letting go of Jones was a shock to many, but it opened the door for Jacobs. Could history repeat itself?
For now, Jacobs is doing his part to make the decision difficult. He’s running hard, scoring touchdowns, and giving the Packers the kind of consistency that’s hard to find in today’s NFL. But make no mistake - the conversation is coming.
The Packers built this contract to give themselves options. Now, they have to decide whether to double down on a running back who’s still delivering - or pivot once again in search of the next big thing.
One year, and now we’ll see.