After spending three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, running back Emanuel Wilson has become a free agent following the team’s decision not to tender him. This development was reported on Friday by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, confirming that Wilson will now be available to sign with any NFL team.
Wilson, 26 years old, rushed for 496 yards and scored three touchdowns last season. With the tender not extended, the Packers currently carry only four running backs on their roster, including their lead back Josh Jacobs, whom Wilson supported during the 2025 season. Other running backs on the roster include Marshawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong, and Damien Martinez. Lloyd, however, has played sparingly due to injuries, appearing in just one game since entering the league in 2024.
Wilson’s Contributions During the 2025 Season
Emanuel Wilson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after not being picked in the NFL Draft. Though initially signed by the Denver Broncos, he was waived and subsequently joined the Packers within the same year. Over 41 games primarily as a backup, Wilson accumulated 1,083 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 242 carries.
Wilson’s standout performance came in the 2025 season during a critical two-game stretch when starting running back Josh Jacobs was sidelined with injury. In Weeks 11 and 12, Wilson carried the ball 39 times, gaining 147 rushing yards and scoring three touchdowns. Additionally, he caught three passes for 27 yards, showing versatility in the Packers’ offense during Jacobs’ absence.
Current Running Back Depth and Future Outlook for Green Bay
With Wilson’s departure, the Packers’ running back depth chart consists mainly of Josh Jacobs, Marshawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong, and Damien Martinez. While Jacobs remains the cornerstone of the position, Lloyd’s limited experience due to injuries adds uncertainty to the depth behind him. Strong and Martinez continue to develop, but Wilson’s exit removes a proven backup from the Packers’ lineup.
Wilson’s availability as an unrestricted free agent opens opportunities for other NFL teams to enhance their backfield with a reliable runner who has demonstrated the ability to step up when needed. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s decision to decline his tender signals a shift in roster strategy and leaves running back personnel plans open as they evaluate potential offseason acquisitions.
“The Packers are not placing a tender on running back Emanuel Wilson, per source. He will be a free agent. Rushed for 496 yards and three touchdowns last year,”
Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Analyst
As the Packers enter the offseason, all eyes will remain on how the team’s running back situation evolves, especially with Wilson now able to explore new prospects across the league.
The Packers are not placing a tender on running back Emanuel Wilson, per source.
He will be a free agent. Rushed for 496 yards and three touchdowns last year,l.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 28, 2026
