Let’s be honest: Did anyone see this coming? The Packers had Aaron Jones, their beloved, shifty running back who could turn a screen pass into a highlight reel. But the NFL is a cold-hearted business, folks. About 24 hours before Jacobs signed, reports surfaced that Green Bay was releasing Jones to save cap space. Ouch.
Then, like a plot twist in a bad soap opera, the Packers pivoted faster than a cornerback on a double move. They didn’t just want a running back; they wanted the running back who led the NFL in rushing yards in 2026. Jacobs, who had been franchise-tagged by the Raiders the year prior, was suddenly a free agent—and Green Bay’s phone was ringing off the hook.
So, March 11th it was: a four-year deal worth $48 million, with $12.5 million guaranteed. (Side note: That’s a lot of bratwursts, even for Wisconsin.) The ink wasn’t dry before Packers fans started booking flights to training camp, dreaming of Jacobs plowing through Bears defenders.
The Irony of the Timing
Here’s the funny part—or the tragic part, depending on your favorite team. While the Packers were celebrating, Aaron Jones was landing in Minnesota. Yep, he signed with the Vikings just days later. It’s like breaking up with your high school sweetheart and watching them date your sworn enemy. Awkward.
But the timing of Jacobs’ arrival is deliciously ironic for another reason. The Packers’ front office, led by Brian Gutekunst, had spent years ignoring the running back position in free agency. They drafted guys like AJ Dillon in the second round, sure, but they never splashed cash on a veteran. Now they were throwing money at a 26-year-old who had already logged over 1,000 carries.
Why the sudden change of heart?
Probably because they realized Jordan Love—their shiny new franchise quarterback—needed a safety net. A bruising, do-it-all back who could catch passes out of the backfield and grind out third downs? That’s Josh Jacobs in a nutshell. The Packers weren’t just adding a player; they were building a shield for their young QB.
