Matt LaFleur
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What does Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur think of the Cardinals decision to hire his brother, Mike LaFleur, as their new head coach?
The Green Bay Packers lost several starters during free agency.
They still have a talented roster overall, but do have holes to fill at multiple different positions. As usual, Green Bay didn’t sign many impact free agents. Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave and cornerback Benjamin St.-Juste were its top acquisitions, and while they may be solid additions, they aren’t likely to be game-changers.
The Packers will address their needs during the 2026 NFL Draft, but won’t have a selection in the first round due to the trade for linebacker Micah Parson last year. A huge part of the draft, both before and during, are trades. Could Green Bay make a splash deal with one of its top players to stockpile on more picks?
RB Josh Jacobs Named Green Bay Packers’ Most Valuable Trade Asset
Josh Jacobs Green Bay Packers
GettyJosh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers
The folks over at Pro Football Focus recently named each team’s most valuable trade assets, and landed on Jacobs for the Packers.
“The Packers entered the 2025 season as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, especially following the addition of edge defender Micah Parsons. Quarterback Jordan Love has also been one of the league’s top performers, ranking fifth in PFF overall grade among quarterbacks since becoming a starter in 2023. However, Green Bay’s offensive approach has, at times, leaned too heavily on the run game. Despite having an elite quarterback, the Packers ranked 12th in early-down run rate in 2025, often prioritizing the ground attack over more efficient passing opportunities. Josh Jacobs has been highly productive, earning a 91.8 PFF rushing grade since joining the team, which ranks fourth among running backs. Still just 28 years old, he could command significant draft capital if the Packers choose to shift toward a more pass-centric approach.”
Some speculated that Green Bay could move on from Jacobs given his knee issues last season, as well as potential salary cap savings. However, those rumors were quickly shut down, and the team even moved on from backup running back Emanuel Wilson. Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025, also recording 36 receptions for 282 yards and one touchdown.
Trading Jacobs Would Require Significant Offensive Scheme Change
Matt LaFleur Jordan Love Green Bay Packers
GettyGreen Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur and QB Jordan Love
One of the biggest challenges for quarterback Jordan Love since he became Green Bay’s starting quarterback has been lack of quality help. Trading Jacobs would only add to that issue. No matter how good, and even underrated, Love is, putting that much pressure on him while the Packers have a shot at making a Super Bowl run doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Jacobs would likely return both a mid-round and a late-round draft pick. Unfortunately, this year’s draft class isn’t very deep at running back. Getting one that can come anywhere close to what Jacobs produces is highly unlikely. The remaining free agents at the position also leave a lot to be desired.
Jacobs has two years remaining on the four-year, $48 million contract that he signed with the team during the 2024 offseason. If he has another strong year in 2026, the Packers could sign him to an extension. Alternatively, they could let Jacobs play out his contract and become a free agent at the end of the 2027 season.