The Green Bay Packers are going to be saying farewell to several familiar faces this off-season. Some players, like Rasheed Walker and Romeo Doubs (among others), are likely going to depart in free agency. Others, such as Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins, are probably going to be released in order for the team to save money on the salary cap.
One name, though, that has been mentioned as a possible cut candidate is running back Josh Jacobs. The Pro Bowl running back is entering the third year of his four-year $48 million contract with the Packers. He will have a $14.5 million cap hit in 2026, but Green Bay could save over $8 million by releasing him.
Of course, moving on from a productive running back would not be a new kind of move for the Packers. They released Aaron Jones in favor of Jacobs two years ago, and some believe a similar move might be in order this off-season.
Brian Gutekunst says Josh Jacobs will be back with the Green Bay Packers in 2026
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) and wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrate a first down against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Bears 28-21.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke to reporters today, Tuesday, at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. During his media session, he was asked about Jacobs’ future with the team. He said that the Packers running back will “absolutely” be back in Green Bay next season:
More from Gutekunst at the combine: He said RB Josh Jacobs will “absolutely” be back this coming season.
“He’s a very important cog in what we’re trying to do here.”
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) February 24, 2026
“He’s a very important cog in what we’re trying to do here,” Gutekunst said.
It is very possible that Green Bay is able to restructure Jacobs’ contract to lower his cap hit in 2026. That being said, the Packers general manager said a very similar thing about Jones weeks before Green Bay eventually released him in favor of Jacobs.
So, for now, it appears that the three-time Pro Bowler who has scored 28 rushing touchdowns over the last two years will be back in 2026.
But given Gutekunst’s history, his saying so does not mean that it is a certainty.
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