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NFL executive delivers strong words about Josh Jacobs and unintentionally explains why the Packers picked him over Aaron Jones

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 11:06 AM ET

In the era of the salary cap, the NFL is a game of tough decisions. Last offseason, the Green Bay Packers decided to sign running back Josh Jacobs and release Aaron Jones. While the decision to move on from the older back was controversial, it's hard to ignore the impact Jacobs had in his first season with the Packers.

The Pro Bowler was named the sixth best running back in football on ESPN's yearly positional rankings, one position ahead of his rankings in 2024. And the quote from an unnamed NFC executive explains exactly why the Packers moved on from Jones.

"Elite balance, strength, vision, feet and determination with the ball in his hands," a high-ranking NFC personnel executive told ESPN. "He catches it well. True difference-maker. And he plays every week. Availability. I tend to lean toward well-rounded backs that are elite runners and huge threats in the passing game and Jacobs fits that bill."

Player-for-player comparison

Aaron Jones has always been an impressively efficient runner, with almost five yards a carry throughout his NFL career. However, because of his physical frame, the Packers were forced to limit his workload. Jones never had more than 285 touches in a season in Green Bay. Even with more volume with the Minnesota Vikings last year and being healthy for 17 games, Jones touched the ball 306 times.

In his first season for the Packers, Josh Jacobs had 301 rushing attempts and 36 receptions, 337 touches—and that's considering that Green Bay limited his attempts in the final weeks when in garbage time and in Week 18, when the Packers had already clinched a playoff spot.

ESPN's NFL insider Jeremy Fowler mentioned two notable stats from Jacobs. He is the only player to eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in each year since 2019, when he entered the league. Jacobs also joined Aaron Jones, Ahman Green, and Jim Taylor as the only Packers players in history to produce 1,500 scrimmage yards and 15 rushing TDs in a season.

Meanwhile, Jones received an honorable mention on the list. An NFL personnel evaluator praised his game, but highlighted durability and age as issues.
Josh Jacobs is still 27, three years younger than Jones. He's under contract with the Packers through 2027, including a lower $8.2 million salary this season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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