Packers Lose Backup RB Emanuel Wilson to Free Agency

The team did not tender a contract offer to the 3-year veteran, who is expected to sign elsewhere soon.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:18pm

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The Green Bay Packers will not be re-signing free agent running back Emanuel Wilson, who has served as a reliable backup for the past three seasons. The team did not submit a restricted free agent tender offer to Wilson, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11th. Wilson, an undrafted free agent in 2023, played in 41 games for the Packers, rushing for 1,083 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Why it matters

Wilson's departure leaves a hole in the Packers' running back depth chart behind starter Josh Jacobs. The team will need to find a new backup, either through free agency, the draft, or by developing one of their current reserve options like MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, Pierre Strong, or Damien Martinez.

The details

The Packers did not tender Wilson a one-year, $3.52 million offer, which would have kept him under contract. As an unrestricted free agent, Wilson is now free to sign with any team in the league. In his three seasons in Green Bay, Wilson averaged 4.5 yards per carry and scored 7 touchdowns, providing a reliable change-of-pace option behind the lead back.

  • Wilson's contract with the Packers expired on March 11, 2026, making him an unrestricted free agent.
  • The Packers had until March 11th to tender a contract offer to Wilson as a restricted free agent.

The players

Emanuel Wilson

A 3-year veteran running back who served as a reliable backup for the Green Bay Packers, rushing for 1,083 yards and 7 touchdowns in 41 games.

Josh Jacobs

The Packers' starting running back, who will now need a new backup with Wilson's departure.

MarShawn Lloyd

A 3rd-round draft pick by the Packers in 2024 who has struggled with injuries in his first two NFL seasons, appearing in just one game.

Chris Brooks

A running back re-signed by the Packers to a 2-year, $4.85 million contract, but is considered more of a third-down back than a true backup.

Pierre Strong

A running back who has spent time on the Packers' practice squad and has 99 career carries, but did not get any game action last season.

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What they’re saying

“Though Wilson hasn't finalized a deal with another team, he is expected to sign with someone other than the Packers soon.”

— Tom Silverstein, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Packers will need to address the backup running back position either through free agency, the draft, or by further developing one of their current reserve options on the roster.

The takeaway

The departure of reliable backup running back Emanuel Wilson leaves a hole in the Packers' depth chart that the team will need to fill, highlighting the challenge of maintaining continuity in the backfield behind a lead ball carrier.