Is Josh Jacobs a Potential Packers’ Cap Casualty?

Similarly, Jacobs battled injuries and didn’t run with the same burst this season. He failed to reach 1,000 yards and missed a couple of bounce-back games due to injury. When said and done, he had 400 fewer rushing yards in 2025, totaling just 929, but did score 13 touchdowns. 

Could the Packers Move On From Jacobs?

Josh Jacobs’ contract doesn’t have any remaining guarantees outside of his initial signing bonus. The Packers have the flexibility to release him, as after June 1, cutting Jacobs would save Green Bay more than $11 million. 

Wilson flashed greatness at times for the Packers in 2025, but it’s unclear whether he’s viewed as a starting back in the NFL. He ran for 107 yards in a Nov. 23 win over the Vikings and also was impressive in an overtime loss to the Bears on Dec. 20 — he ran for 82 yards on just 14 carries in a game where Jacobs played but was on a snap count.

Chris Brooks did provide some valuable touches as a third-down back, but the depth chart isn’t deep with MarShawn Lloyd not able to get on an NFL field in meaningful football games. Lloyd has had a terrible time with injuries. 

What makes Jacobs a possible cap casualty in part is just how the league views the running back position. There are only seven running backs who carry an eight-figure annual cap hit.  Jacobs’ cap hit of $14.5 million in 2026 is slated to be top-5 in the league among running backs. Alvin Kamara ($18.6 million), Jonathan Taylor ($15.5 million), and, interestingly enough, Aaron Jones ($14.8 million) will count more against the cap. 

Could the Packers Sign an RB in Free Agency?

One interesting move would be similar to what brought Jacobs to Green Bay. Could the Packers sign a free agent? A potential Travis Etienne or Javonte Williams to, say, an $8 million AAV? According to Spotrac, the Packers could have both for about half of Jacobs’ salary. While unlikely, the Packers could opt to maybe save some money at running back and upgrade the roster at cornerback, defensive line or linebacker with the savings.

Unless there is a plan for something similar to what brought Jacobs to Green Bay, the more likely outcome for Jacobs would be a contract restructure. 

Will Josh Jacobs Be a Packer in 2026?

Due to the roster construction and depth chart at running back, Josh Jacobs won’t be going anywhere. The Packers will likely ride Jacobs at least one more year and could approach him about reworking his deal to be a bit more cap-friendly.

The more likely Packers cuts are OL Elgton Jenkins and defensive end Rashan Gary. While Jacobs is a significant cap hit, he has lived up to the money overall in his first two seasons in Green Bay. Also, Green Bay has no certainties on the market yet to justify moving on from Jacobs. While the Packers did do it with Jacobs, it isn’t common for the Pack to sign a running back as a free agent.

GM Brian Gutekunst and the Packers will likely select a running back in the 2026 Draft and potentially look to move on from Jacobs after next season.