The Green Bay Packers are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season, which ended abruptly due to star Micah Parsons suffering a season-ending ACL injury during the playoffs against Chicago. As they prepare for the 2026 campaign, the team will continue to depend heavily on running back Josh Jacobs as their primary offensive weapon.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed on Tuesday that Jacobs will absolutely serve as the team’s featured back in 2026, according to The Athletic reporter Matt Schneidman.
Josh Jacobs Maintains Lead Role Despite a Challenging Season
Jacobs remains the centerpiece of Green Bay’s rushing attack, a status solidified when the Packers signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract during the 2024 free agency period. Although Jacobs experienced a modest dip in production last season, he still delivered 929 rushing yards on 234 carries and reached the end zone 13 times, making him one of the Packers’ most consistent offensive contributors.
Still, depth concerns linger in the Packers’ backfield. The only backup option behind Jacobs is MarShawn Lloyd, whose availability has been limited by multiple injuries throughout his brief NFL tenure. Meanwhile, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks are headed toward free agency, leaving the Packers with little guaranteed depth at running back.
Limited Cap Space Forces Packers to Focus on Draft for Running Back Support
Adding reinforcements through free agency appears unlikely due to tight salary cap constraints. Analyst Zach Rapport from ACME Packing Company highlighted on February 12 that Green Bay ranks 25th in salary cap flexibility for 2026, with only about $52 million available through contract restructures. He noted,
“Green Bay ranks 25th in cap flexibility for 2026, and (is) only able to generate roughly $52 million through restructures. That’s a fraction of what other teams should be able to muster in the coming months,”
“Without letting guys walk in free agency and aggressive space creation via cuts or restructures … the Packers simply won’t have room to pursue marquee free agents …”
Given these financial limits, the Packers are expected to prioritize adding running back depth during the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft rather than making significant marquee signings in free agency.
Packers Build Around Established Stars Like Josh Jacobs for Playoff Aspirations
Despite the challenges posed by limited cap space and an uncertain backup situation, the Packers plan to lean on their established core, especially Josh Jacobs, as they aim for another playoff push in 2026. The pressure to improve upon last season’s playoff collapse will likely drive Green Bay to maximize the impact of their proven playmakers while supplementing the roster through the draft.
Gutekunst said Josh Jacobs will “absolutely” be Green Bay’s feature back next season.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) February 24, 2026
