This offseason has been unlike any that the Green Bay Packers have experienced in a few years. Although Green Bay signs new free agents each season, these players are typically not the most sought-after ones available. Indeed, the two most notable free agent signings in team history are still Reggie White (1993) and Charles Woodson (2006).
Nonetheless, there have been occasions when the Packers, flush with cash, have chosen to invest in more notable free agents. Za-Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Adrian Amos were all signed by Green Bay as free agents in 2019—Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
The Packers shocked everyone this offseason by signing the top safety, Xavier McKinney, and running back in free agency, Josh Jacobs. Despite the fact that both of these additions were intended to strengthen the squad, one NFL observer thinks Green Bay might regret making one of them.
NFL Analyst Says the Green Bay Packers May Regret Signing Josh Jacobs
In a recent article where he lists 10 offseason moves that NFL teams might regret by the season’s end, Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report suggests that replacing Aaron Jones with Josh Jacobs could be a mistake.
He writes:
“Yes, Jones is 29 and dealt with hamstring and knee injuries in 2023. However, he was fully healthy in the postseason and proved he’s still a versatile threat. Jones amassed 247 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in two playoff games.
“Jacobs had his own injury issues last season, missing the final four games with a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old also struggled in 2023 after leading the league in rushing yards, scrimmage yards, and touches the previous season.
“Last year, Jacobs averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. He isn’t necessarily an upgrade over a healthy Jones, and given his heavy workload over the past two years (663 touches), there’s no assurance that Jacobs will return to his Pro Bowl form from 2022.
“If Jacobs falters this season, Green Bay will regret letting one of its key leaders join a division rival.”
The decision to move on from Jones was a significant blow to the Packers fanbase, who still hold their franchise’s third all-time leading rusher in high regard, even though he signed with the Vikings.
Will the Green Bay Packers Really Regret Signing Josh Jacobs and Letting Aaron Jones Go?
As Knox notes, Jones did deal with numerous injuries last season. However, he was incredibly productive towards the end of the season and in Green Bay’s two playoff games. In fact, he became the first player in franchise history to have over 100 rushing yards in five straight games.
Jacobs also dealt with injuries last season, missing the final four games with a quad injury and underperforming when he was healthy.
That being said, Jacobs is now in a different situation where he doesn’t need to carry the offense. The Packers have Jordan Love at quarterback and one of the best young groups of pass catchers. He will also share the backfield with AJ Dillon and rookie Marshawn Lloyd.
In other words, Jacobs will not be expected to carry the same workload as he did in Las Vegas. The way Matt LaFleur manages his running backs during the regular season will likely benefit Jacobs in the long run.
If anything, fans may call for more Jacobs carries, similar to how they did for Jones in recent years.
As for Jones, it is unfortunate to see him play for the Vikings, but he is older and was banged up last year. With Minnesota having a rookie quarterback, he may end up having a season similar to Jacobs’ last year.