The Green Bay Packers fell short of expectations during the 2025 season. Their playoff run unraveled against Chicago after superstar Micah Parsons went down with a season-ending ACL injury. Now, as they turn the page to 2026, the Packers are preparing for another push toward the postseason, and they plan to rely heavily on one of their top offensive weapons once again.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday that Josh Jacobs will “absolutely” serve as the team’s featured back in 2026, according to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. That stance comes as little surprise, as Jacobs remains the clear top option in Green Bay’s backfield.
Gutekunst said Josh Jacobs will “absolutely” be Green Bay’s feature back next season.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) February 24, 2026
Green Bay brought Josh Jacobs in on a four year, $48 million contract during the 2024 free agency window, and he has since become a central figure in the Packers’ offensive attack.
Josh Jacobs with the Packers
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jacobs saw his production dip in 2025, finishing with 234 carries for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. While those numbers fell short of his usual output, he still ranked among Green Bay’s most reliable and productive offensive contributors last season.
Green Bay would benefit from adding more depth at running back regardless. Behind Jacobs, the only other option is MarShawn Lloyd, who has yet to establish himself as a dependable contributor. Lloyd has battled multiple injuries early in his NFL career, raising questions about his durability moving forward.
Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks are both set to enter free agency, which could thin out the depth chart even further. That reality should push the Packers to explore running back options in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sep 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs the ball during warm ups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Green Bay is unlikely to be overly aggressive in free agency this offseason. Instead of making splash signings, the Packers will likely prioritize building through the 2026 NFL Draft, with fans expecting the front office to target young talent to strengthen the roster.
They will also continue to rely on Josh Jacobs and the core group of proven playmakers as they head into the 2026 season, counting on their established stars to carry a significant share of the workload.