When Packers GM Brian Gutekunst took the baton from Ted Thompson in 2018, he inherited an emerging duo of talented, second-year running backs – Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Those two thrived for a couple years until Gutekunst bet big with the 62nd overall pick in the 2020 draft, selecting AJ Dillon, a bulldozing back from Boston College. A year later, Williams was let go and then Jones and Dillon became the steady tandem.
That pair last several years, until 2024, when things shifted radically. Gutekunst sent Packers fans on an emotional roller coaster, signing the still-in-his-prime Josh Jacobs but then releasing the beloved Jones to free agency. A season-ending injury to Dillon in training camp shifted matters further, sending Gutekunst scrambling for Emanuel Wilson, an undrafted player waived by the Denver Broncos after just three days.
Through two years, Jacobs has been everything the Packers could’ve hoped for and Wilson seized his opportunity, too, proving to be a very capable second option.
Wilson was so capable, in fact, that he caught the interest of Seattle, who signed him to a new deal this offseason. And while Jacobs delivered another solid effort last season, it potentially came at a cost. Jacobs was bothered by a persistent knee injury suffered on the MetLife cement in Week 11. He also managed a calf strain and ankle issues during the year. To his tremendous credit, Jacobs largely played through the pain – and played very well.
But wear and tear adds up. Since 2020, only one NFL running back, the super-human Derrick Henry, has toted the rock more times than Jacobs’ 1,598 carries. Now entering his age 28 season, it’s fair to wonder how much Jacobs has left in the tank.
So with Wilson gone and Jacobs battered, the Packers suddenly find themselves without an established pair for the first time in Gutekunst's tenure. Indeed, they re-signed Chris Brooks this offseason. Although an adequate runner and a savant in pass protection, Brooks seems more “specialist” than “starter”.
The Packers also have Pierre Strong Jr. Still just 27 years old, Strong is another capable back but it seems unlikely the Packers will settle on him as the #2 behind Jacobs.
There’s also MarShawn Lloyd. Gutekust almost certainly envisioned the USC phenom as a potential “Robin” to Jacobs’ “Batman”, but through two seasons, Lloyd has produced 6 carries for 15 yards and 1 reception for 3 yards – not the ideal return for the 88th overall pick. Lloyd’s injuries have included his hamstring (twice), hip, ankle, groin, and calf. The poor guy even had appendicitis.
Maybe there’s a miracle world where Lloyd regains his USC form in 2026, but after two wasted years, I doubt the Packers are counting on it. As they say, “Fool me three times, there’s twice as much shame on me!”
So what will the Packers do?
If you hadn’t heard, there’s an NFL draft in two weeks. That might be an opportunity for Gutekunst to fill the gap. But possessing only 7 picks, and with (perhaps) more urgent needs in the trenches and secondary, Gutekunst may decide that an early pick on a running back is a luxury he can’t afford.
The Packers did meet in person with Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. who possesses tantalizing size and 4.33 speed. Projected to be a day 2 pick, perhaps Gutekunst pulls the trigger and worries about other needs in later rounds. In Dillon and Lloyd, Gutekunst has displayed a willingness to go RB early.
The Packers have also shown interest in Indiana’s Kaelon Black. The team conducted a formal interview with Black at the Senior Bowl and recently brought him to Green Bay for more evaluation and conversation. The National Champion is projected to be a mid round/day 3 pick and comes to the table with a physical running style not unlike Jacobs.
Gutekunst could also elect to wait until even later at running back – the Bears and Commanders did well in the 7th round last year with Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai and Auburn’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt, respectively.
If not the draft, free agency is technically still an option for Gutekunst. However, if he was unwilling to re-sign Wilson, it’s hard to imagine him paying for any of the remaining options, which include Unc-ish names like Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Austin Eckler, Kareem Hunt, Miles Sanders, and Antonio Gibson.
For his part, Gutekunst does seem determined to add from somewhere. At the NFL’s annual meetings, the Packers GM was asked if the Packers are looking to add “a true No. 2 running back,” and Gutekunst made his intention clear. “We will certainly add competition to that room,” he said. “Whether it’s MarShawn as we get him healthy and get him going, Pierre Strong’s there…there’s guys that we really like. But I’m sure there will be more competition to come.”
In the Packers’ world, running backs can (and often do), come from anywhere. Emanuel Wilson, Ryan Grant, and Samkon Gado all came from other team’s practice squads, and heck, DeJuan Harris came from a used car lot in Jacksonville, FL. Indeed, sometimes what you’re looking for is where you least expect it.