The Green Bay Packers made an unusual splash in NFL free agency, signing safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs. While the additions came at the cost of several fan favorites, many around the NFL seem to believe the Packers made an outstanding choice.
Green Bay kicked off the legal NFL tampering period by landing Jacobs, stealing the All-Pro running back away from the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it was followed hours later by the news that Aaron Jones was released and he signed with the Minnesota Vikings a day later.
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Fortunately, the sting of Jones leading for an NFC North rival was lessened by the signings of McKinney and Jacobs. Green Bay got better at running back and finally addressed its long-time need at safety, with McKinney proving to be the perfect fit for the new defensive scheme.
For the Packers, both players are expected to have significant impacts in 2024 as critical pieces on each side of the ball. However, one free-agent signing in particular is viewed around the NFL as one of the best moves this offseason.
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NFL coaches and executives polled by Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network rated the Jacobs’ signing as the second-best move in NFL free agency.
While there was an initial shock to the deal Jacobs signed with Green Bay – $48 million over four years – details later proved it was a far more team-friendly contract. The Packers’ running back will make $14.8 million this upcoming season, but they can move on from him in 2025.
- Josh Jacobs stats (2022-’23): 2,458 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry, 18 rushing touchdowns, 90 receptions, 696 receiving yards, 7.7 yards per reception
If the Packers designate Jacobs as a post-June 1 release next offseason, they will generate $8.2 million in cap savings with just a $3.125 million cap hit in 2025 followed by a $6.25 million cap charge in 2026.
As for Jacobs’ role in Green Bay, he is highly regarded as a three-down running back. The 26-year-old boasts a better track record of staying healthy compared to Jones and he’s a better runner between the tackles. For the style of offense that head coach Matt LaFleur wants to run in 2024, Jacobs is a better fit. Considering the talent and the structure of his contract, it’s no surprise many around the NFL liked the move.
