NFL analyst sounds alarm for Josh Jacobs, Packers' ground game 2 Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Packers could target eventual Josh Jacobs successor

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 7:47 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers and general manager Brian Gutekunst face several choices as the 2026 NFL offseason approaches. A significant portion of the players who were on the 2025 roster are headed toward free agency. The organization will likely allow many of them to move on, while also working to bring a select group back on new deals.

One offseason rumor has focused on veteran running back Josh Jacobs. Cutting him would clear a significant amount of cap space, but it does not appear that Green Bay plans to take that route right now. Jacobs is under contract for two more seasons entering the 2026 campaign, which keeps him in the team’s plans for the near future. Even so, the Packers could still start exploring possible long term answers at running back as they plan for life beyond his current deal.

With that in mind, a new idea has surfaced involving a 27 year old running back who could join the team to help alongside Josh Jacobs in 2026 while also giving Green Bay a possible replacement option in 2027. Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated recently pointed to Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent candidate who could make sense for the Green Bay Packers once free agency opens.

Are the Packers looking for Josh Jacobs successor?

Last season showed a few signs that Josh Jacobs may be beginning to slow down, something that could create concern for the Packers moving forward.

The Packers brought Chris Brooks back on Wednesday but declined to tender running back Emmanuel Wilson. As NFL free agency draws closer, the Packers could become a team to keep an eye on in the running back market.

“A first-round pick in 2021, Etienne was sidelined for his rookie season but missed only two games the last four seasons. In 2025, he rushed for 1,107 yards – his third 1,000-yard season – with a 4.3-yard average. His 14.2 missed-tackle percentage ranked 35th. In four seasons, he has 168 receptions,” Huber wrote.

Spotrac projects Travis Etienne to land a deal worth roughly $6.8 million per year. If the Packers bring him in for the 2026 season, he could share the backfield workload and ease some of the pressure on Jacobs, helping keep the veteran running back fresh.

Over the longer term, Etienne could also give Green Bay a versatile option out of the backfield and potentially step into a larger role once Jacobs’ time with the team comes to an end.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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