The Green Bay Packers have had an offseason unlike one that they have seen in a few years. While Green Bay always brings in new free agents every season, they are not usually the more coveted players on the market. Indeed, the signings of Reggie White in 1993 and Charles Woodson in 2006 remain the most noteworthy free agent deals in franchise history.
There have been times, however, when the Packers have had a little money to burn and decided to spend money on more noteworthy free agents. In 2019, Matt LaFleur‘s first year as head coach, Green Bay signed Za-Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Adrian Amos in free agency.
This offseason, the Packers surprised everyone by signing the best running back in free agency, Josh Jacobs, and the best safety, Xavier McKinney. And while both of these additions were made to improve the team, one NFL analyst believes Green Bay may come to regret one of them.
NFL Analyst Says the Green Bay Packers May Regret Signing Josh Jacobs
In a recent article in which he lists 10 offseason move that some teams in the NFL may regret by the end of the season, Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox argues that replacing Aaron Jones with Jacobs may end up being a mistake.
He writes:
“Yes, Jones is 29 and battled hamstring and knee injuries in 2023. However, he was at 100 percent in the postseason and showed that he’s still a very capable dual threat. Jones racked up 247 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in two playoff games.
“Jacobs dealt with his own injuries last season, missing the final four games with a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old also struggled in 2023 after leading the league in rushing yards, scrimmage yards and touches the previous season.
“Last year, Jacobs averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. He isn’t a clear upgrade over a healthy Jones, and after being heavily overworked over the past two years (663 touches), there’s no guarantee that Jacobs will regain the Pro Bowl form he showed in 2022.
“If Jacobs stumbles at all this season, Green Bay will regret letting one of its top leaders leave for a division rival.”
The decision to move on from Jones was certainly a blow to the Packers fanbase, who still hold the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher in high regard, even though he signed with the Vikings.
Will the Green Bay Packers Really Regret Signing Josh Jacobs and Letting Aaron Jones Go?
As Knox notes, Jones did deal with numerous injuries last season. However, as Knox also notes, he was incredibly productive towards the end of the season and in Green Bay’s two playoff games. In fact, he became the first player in franchise history to have over 100 rushing yards in five straight games.
It is also true that Jacobs dealt with injuries himself last season. He missed the final four games of the season with a quad injury, and did not perform up to his standards when he was healthy.
That being said, Jacobs is no longer in a situation where he needs to carry the offense. The Packers boast Jordan Love at quarterback and one of the best young groups of pass catchers. He also will be joined in the backfield by AJ Dillon and rookie Marshawn Lloyd.
In other words, Jacobs will not be expected to carry the same size of burden as he did in Las Vegas. The way the Matt LaFleur preserves his running backs during the regular season will undoubtedly be a benefit to Jacobs in the long-run.
If anything, fans will be calling for more Jacobs carries just like they did for Jones over the past few years.
As for Jones, seeing him play for the Vikings is unfortunate, but he is older and he was banged up last year. Minnesota also has a rookie quarterback, so he may end up having a season like Jacobs did last year.
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