Packers Star Josh Jacobs' Future Secured for 2026 Season

Despite rumors, the veteran running back will remain a key part of Green Bay's offense next year.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:25pm

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The Green Bay Packers have confirmed that star running back Josh Jacobs will be back with the team for the 2026 NFL season, despite rumors he could be traded or released. Jacobs, 28, had a down year in 2025 due to injuries but is still viewed as a core part of the Packers' future plans.

Why it matters

Jacobs is a key offensive weapon for the Packers, and his return provides stability and continuity in the backfield. With several other notable players departing in free agency, retaining Jacobs is an important move for Green Bay as they look to reload for another playoff push.

The details

After a standout 2024 season in his first year with the Packers, Jacobs saw his production dip in 2025 as he dealt with injuries, rushing for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 36 receptions for 282 yards and a score. Despite the down year, the Packers never seriously considered moving on from Jacobs this offseason, according to longtime team reporter Bill Huber.

  • Jacobs joined the Packers in 2024 after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • In 2025, Jacobs carried the ball 234 times for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns, while catching 36 passes for 282 yards and another score.

The players

Josh Jacobs

A 28-year-old running back who has been a key part of the Packers' offense for the past two seasons after joining the team in 2024.

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers, who has confirmed that Jacobs remains firmly in the team's future plans.

Bill Huber

A longtime reporter covering the Green Bay Packers, who reported that the team was never considering moving on from Jacobs this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Rumors are like an avalanche in that once they get going, they are impossible to stop. One such rumor is that Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was on the trade block or even a potential cut candidate.”

— Bill Huber, Packers Insider

“Well, that's not happening. It was never happening. Jacobs was not on the trade block. He was not a potential cost-cutting release.”

— Bill Huber, Packers Insider

What’s next

The Packers will now look to add depth behind Jacobs at running back after deciding to let Emanuel Wilson walk in free agency.

The takeaway

By retaining Josh Jacobs, the Packers are signaling their commitment to the veteran running back as a core part of their offense, even after a down year in 2025. This move provides stability in the backfield as Green Bay navigates an offseason of significant roster turnover.