As we get ready for NFL offseason workouts, Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers was recently named a player to watch.
One of the biggest signings of the offseason for the Green Bay Packers was bringing in running back Josh Jacobs from the Las Vegas Raiders. The running back position has become a hot topic in the NFL, as very talented running backs aren’t drawing interest in free agency or while trying to get new contracts from their teams.
Jacobs has fallen into that category, as the Raiders didn’t appear like they wanted to keep him around after his rookie deal ran out. The Packers signed Josh Jacobs to a four-year deal worth $48 million with $12.5 million guaranteed.
As always in the NFL, the guaranteed number is the important one. Also in the contract, the Packers do have a potential out after the 2024 season. With Jacobs coming over to a new conference and new team, he was recently named a player to watch by The Athletic. Here’s what they had to say.
Pedestrian in the rushing department last season (ranked 16th), the Packers revamped their backfield this offseason and pulled off the surprise signing of Jacobs, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2022 first-team All-Pro selection. Jacobs should fit well in Matt LaFleur’s running-back friendly system and should help ease pressure on Jordan Love, who is in a contract year and looks to build on last year’s late-season playoff push and wild-card-round upset of Dallas.
Jacobs is certainly going to be a player to watch for the Packers, as he has the potential to be a big part of their offense. With the Packers moving on from Aaron Jones, Jacobs will be the featured back with A.J. Dillon as the backup.
The Jacobs contract is certainly an interesting one. On the surface, it feels like he got a great deal $12 million annually. However, the potential out gives the Green Bay Packers flexibility if Jacobs struggles.
Last season, Jacobs did not have a great contract season, as he totaled 805 rushing yards in 13 games. The 3.5 yards per carry average is certainly concerning, but the Raiders were pretty bad last season, and that likely can be attributed to the poor season from Jacobs.
On the Green Bay Packers, Josh Jacobs will be joining a talented offense led by Jordan Love, who is looking to prove that last season was no fluke. If Jacobs can get back to rushing for 1,000 yards, the Packers offense will be challenging to stop.
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