Josh Jacobs: Packers' Nightmare Decision Ahead

The Looming Choice for Green Bay

Josh Jacobs has been Green Bay's offensive engine, but a critical offseason decision casts a shadow over his future. After signing a four-year, $48 million deal in 2024, Jacobs delivered a stellar first season with 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. However, his 2025 performance has raised questions that GM Brian Gutekunst must soon answer.

Dueling Seasons and Contract Math

While Jacobs maintains his Pro Bowl form with 11 touchdowns this season, his efficiency has dipped. He's averaging just 3.9 yards per carry—his lowest since 2021—without a single 100-yard game. The Packers structured his contract with potential outs after each of the first two years. Cutting him post-2025 would free up $8.4 million in cap space, creating financial flexibility for other roster needs.

"Strong deal for one year, and then 'we'll see.'" – Former Packers executive Andrew Brandt

This echoes the Packers' 2022 move to release fan favorite Aaron Jones despite his late-season surge. Gutekunst has shown willingness to prioritize roster youth and financial flexibility, even for elite backs.

Playing Through Pain

Jacobs isn't letting injuries slow him down. Nursing a bone bruise and thigh contusion, he declared: "I'm not ducking no smoke." The Alabama product insists on practicing through discomfort to prepare for physical matchups like Sunday's against the Bears.

Jacobs receiving medical attention for his knee injury on the sidelines. - Image from https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIF.O7bvh5xa1FLUwHgmrlhS2w&w=120&h=120&c=1&pid=5.1

"I like to feel it," Jacobs explained. "You get used to it. You know what to expect." His resilience will be crucial against Chicago's NFL-leading turnover defense (+17 margin) in a game that could decide the NFC North.

The Younger Back Alternative

The Packers may eye younger options like Jets' Breece Hall (25 years old) in free agency. Hall has averaged 4.7 yards per carry through three seasons, offering a potential cost-effective upgrade. With Emanuel Wilson stepping up and MarShawn Lloyd returning, Green Bay has depth to absorb a transition.

Rivalry Renewed

Jacobs understands the stakes in the 211th meeting between these rivals. "They actually [are] a pretty decent team this year," he acknowledged.

Players collide during a Packers-Bears matchup at Lambeau Field. - Image from https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.8X3RbF9m9FK8v8petsA58gHaE8?cb=ucfimg2&pid=Api&ucfimg=1

Despite Chicago's recent dominance, Jacobs remains defiant: "Still don't like them. They don't like us, and it's going to be fun."

The Crystal Ball Question

Jacobs turns 28 in February, with 7 NFL seasons and 383 carries in Green Bay already logged. The Packers must decide if his production justifies a $14.63 million cap hit in 2026 or if it's time to reset the backfield. As Brandt noted, the contract was always designed as "one year, and we'll see."

For now, Jacobs battles through pain in Lambeau Field's frigid temperatures. But after the final whistle, the front office faces its most consequential backfield decision in years.