The Green Bay Packers have made a significant move to strengthen their backfield by signing former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million deal, as reported by NFL Media. The specific details of Jacobs’ contract with the Packers have not been immediately disclosed, and the deal is pending official confirmation when the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 13.
While the signing may initially surprise some, the Packers have been actively seeking an elite running back to enhance their backfield for some time. Last summer, during a contract dispute with the Colts, the team reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring Jonathan Taylor, though no major deal materialized.
Now, with the addition of Jacobs, the Packers have secured a top-tier running back. Jacobs’ new contract ranks as the third-highest in total value ($48 million) among running backs, with an average annual value of $12 million, placing it fifth in the league.
Following the agreement with Jacobs, NFL Media reported that the Packers are releasing veteran Aaron Jones, who was signed through the upcoming season and was reportedly in discussions for a new deal. However, talks broke down, leading to his release. The arrival of Jacobs could also impact the future of A.J. Dillon with the organization, as he is currently a free agent.
The Packers, in a strategic move to create approximately $32 million in cap space, released Aaron Jones and All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. Following these transactions, they made significant acquisitions, signing running back Josh Jacobs, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders, and securing former New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney on a lucrative four-year, $68 million contract.
Jacobs, originally drafted by the Raiders with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama, spent his entire career with the franchise. Throughout his tenure, he consistently demonstrated his value as a key component of the offensive unit.
Jacobs achieved over a thousand scrimmage yards in each of his five seasons, with three campaigns surpassing a thousand rushing yards. Notably, in the 2022 season, he led the NFL in both rushing yards (1,653) and total yards from scrimmage (2,053).
In the previous season, Jacobs showcased his versatility, accumulating 805 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 13 games, complemented by 37 receptions on 54 targets for an additional 296 yards.