The Green Bay Packers currently face a salary cap situation that is $1.5 million over the limit for the upcoming season, requiring some adjustments. Despite this, the team has confirmed that both running back Josh Jacobs and guard Aaron Banks will remain with the Packers in 2026, as General Manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized their importance to the team’s plans.
Josh Jacobs Expected to Remain a Core Player with the Packers
Jacobs is set to have a cap hit of $14.5 million in 2026, and Gutekunst expressed confidence that the running back will “absolutely” be back next season. Jacobs has been a significant contributor after signing a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay as an unrestricted free agent. In the 2025 season, he played 15 games, carrying the ball 234 times for 929 yards with 13 rushing touchdowns, alongside 36 receptions totaling 282 yards and an additional touchdown.
Jacobs began his career when the Las Vegas Raiders selected him 24th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama. His rookie deal included a signing bonus of nearly $6.7 million. The Raiders declined his fifth-year option in 2022, leading to Jacobs becoming a free agent in 2023. After a franchise tag agreement and a holdout during training camp, he finalized a deal with the Packers.
“He’s a very important cog in what we’re trying to do here,” said Brian Gutekunst, GM of the Packers — Rob Demovsky
Aaron Banks’ Future with the Packers Firm Despite Cap Considerations
Guard Aaron Banks will have a significant $24.79 million cap charge in 2026 but is not expected to be traded or released, according to Gutekunst’s remarks at the NFL Combine. The Packers might explore restructuring Banks’ contract to convert his $9.5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus, which could free up approximately $6.33 million in cap space.
Banks joined the Packers after playing for the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He initially signed a four-year, $7.1 million contract with San Francisco and played out that rookie deal before testing free agency. Last offseason, Banks agreed to a four-year, $77 million contract with Green Bay. During the 2025 season, he appeared in 15 games, starting 14 as the team’s guard.
“I wouldn’t expect him to go anywhere,” Brian Gutekunst said about Aaron Banks — Bill Huber, Sports Illustrated
Strategic Moves Ahead to Manage Salary Cap
The Packers’ approach to managing their roster and salary cap indicates a commitment to retaining key contributors like Jacobs and Banks, even while over the cap threshold. Restructuring contracts may provide relief, but the front office’s priority remains keeping the core lineup intact to maintain competitive momentum. Green Bay’s decisions regarding these contracts will likely influence their roster stability heading into future seasons.
More from Gutekunst at the combine: He said RB Josh Jacobs will “absolutely” be back this coming season.
“He’s a very important cog in what we’re trying to do here.”
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) February 24, 2026
