Emmanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers
Getty
Emanuel Wilson #23 of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers made the decision to non-tender running back Emanuel Wilson at the beginning of the NFL offseason.
Wilson, who played a key role as the backup behind Josh Jacobs last season, had become a fan favorite. Many felt that he could be capable of being a starting running back if the Packers needed him to take over that role.
Even though fans have come to love him in Green Bay, a new report has shared what Wilson’s future with the Packers has in store.
According to a report from longtime Green Bay reporter Tom Silverstein, Wilson will not be brought back by the Packers.
“For three seasons, Emanuel Wilson has been a reliable backup running back for the Green Bay Packers, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring seven touchdowns,” Silverstein wrote. “His next carry, however, will be for someone else. The Packers did not submit a restricted free agent tender to him, and a source said he will not re-sign as some of the team’s other restricted free agents did after not receiving tender offers.”
Just like that, Green Bay could be in the market for a new backup running back.
What Are the Packers Losing in Emanuel Wilson?
Wilson played a sizable role for the Packers during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He was able to step in when called upon, especially with Jacobs dealing with injury troubles last year.
Throughout the course of the 2025 season, Wilson carried the football 125 times for 496 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching 15 passes for 99 yards. Back in 2024, he totaled 103 carries, 502 rushing yards, four touchdowns, 11 receptions, 48 receiving yards, and a score.
At the end of the day, Green Bay is moving on from a quality backup. The Packers did work out a new deal with Chris Brooks recently, who could end up being their backup in 2026.
So far this season, Green Bay has been quiet. Losing Wilson will be disappointing for many fans, but the Packers don’t feel the need to pay him moving forward when they could either have Brooks or MarShawn Lloyd be the backup, or even take a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Green Bay Has Gone Through Major Roster Turnover This Offseason
Moving on from Wilson is far from the only departure that Green Bay has had this offseason.
Other players from the 2025 roster who won’t be back with the Packers in 2026 include Quay Walker, Nate Hobbs, Rashan Gary, Romeo Doubs, and Kingsley Enagbare. There are a few other names as well who won’t return.
It will be interesting to see where Wilson ends up signing this offseason. He has proven himself to be more than capable of performing at a solid level.
That being said, Green Bay fans should add running back to the list of positions that Brian Gutekunst and the front office could target throughout the remainder of the NFL offseason.