Packers Weigh Releasing Veteran RB Josh Jacobs

High cap hit and declining production make Jacobs a potential cap casualty in Green Bay

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Green Bay Packers are considering whether to release veteran running back Josh Jacobs due to his high $14.5 million cap hit in 2026. Jacobs had a strong 2024 season but saw his production decline in 2025 due to injuries. The Packers could save over $11 million by cutting Jacobs after June 1, which could allow them to upgrade other positions on the roster.

Why it matters

The Packers' decision on Jacobs' future will have major salary cap implications and could impact their roster construction for the 2026 season. Releasing Jacobs would free up significant cap space, but the team would need to find a suitable replacement either through the draft or free agency.

The details

Jacobs, 28, was signed by the Packers in 2024 to replace the departed Aaron Jones. He had a standout 2024 campaign, rushing for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, his production dropped off in 2025 as he battled injuries, finishing with just 929 rushing yards. The Packers have the flexibility to release Jacobs after June 1, which would save them over $11 million in cap space. Backup running back Emanuel Wilson showed promise in 2025, but the team may look to add another running back either through the draft or free agency if they move on from Jacobs.

  • Jacobs is set to have a $14.5 million cap hit in 2026.
  • The Packers could save over $11 million by releasing Jacobs after June 1.

The players

Josh Jacobs

A 28-year-old running back who was signed by the Packers in 2024 to replace Aaron Jones. He had a strong 2024 season but saw his production decline in 2025 due to injuries.

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers who signed Jacobs in 2024 to be the team's lead running back.

Emanuel Wilson

A backup running back for the Packers who showed promise in 2025 when filling in for the injured Jacobs.

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What they’re saying

“Packers were 9th in rushing success rate, but 21st in EPA/rush last year. That's down from 9th in EPA/rush in 2024. Packers have been very good with Josh Jacobs getting 4-6 yards. They need more explosive runs.”

— Peter Bukowski, Analyst (Twitter)

“Love Aaron Jones forever but the Packers are getting Josh Jacobs (the 2022 NFL rushing champ who is only 26) at one-third the salary cap cost of Jones in 2024.”

— Zach Kruse (Twitter)

What’s next

The Packers will likely approach Jacobs about restructuring his contract to be more cap-friendly. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the team may opt to release him after June 1 to save over $11 million in cap space.

The takeaway

The Packers face a difficult decision on Jacobs' future, as his high cap hit and declining production make him a potential cap casualty. However, the team may be reluctant to move on from him without a clear replacement plan in place, either through the draft or free agency.