Green Bay Packers Plan to Run It Back With Josh Jacobs While Eyeing Future RB Talent

Green Bay, Wisconsin – April 2026 – The Green Bay Packers are set to enter the 2026 NFL season with veteran running back Josh Jacobs as a central piece of their offensive game plan. Despite offseason speculation that the Packers might move on from Jacobs to free up cap space, General Manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed that the team still views Jacobs as a focal point of the offense.

However, with Jacobs now 28 years old and coming off a season that showed some signs of decline, Green Bay is also exploring options to groom a successor for the future.

The combination of Jacobs’ experience and a potential incoming rookie could give the Packers a balanced backfield that blends stability with long-term planning.

Josh Jacobs’ 2025 Season in Review

Jacobs’ 2025 campaign was solid but showed some statistical regression compared to his 2024 season. Playing in 15 games, Jacobs dealt with intermittent injuries that limited his overall impact. He carried the football 234 times for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.

By contrast, his 2024 season was far more productive: 301 carries for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, highlighting his ability to shoulder a heavy workload and serve as a workhorse for the Packers’ offense. While Jacobs remains a reliable presence, his age and injury history make it prudent for Green Bay to prepare for a post-Jacobs era.

Preparing for the Future: NFL Draft Plans

According to Jacob Westendorf of On SI, the Packers may target a potential long-term replacement for Jacobs in the 2026 NFL Draft. Westendorf’s latest mock draft projects Arkansas standout Mike Washington Jr. to be selected by Green Bay at No. 84 overall in the third round.

“Washington could represent some insurance for Marshawn Lloyd as a rookie as a change-of-pace back to Jacobs before potentially taking over for Jacobs as the full-time starter if the Packers move on from Jacobs at the end of the 2026 season,” Westendorf wrote.

This strategy allows the Packers to retain Jacobs’ production for at least another season while giving Washington time to acclimate to the NFL. By playing a backup or rotational role initially, Washington could develop the skills needed to eventually become the lead back in Green Bay.

What Mike Washington Jr. Brings to the Table

Mike Washington Jr. is widely recognized for his elite speed and playmaking ability, having run a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His skill set makes him an ideal candidate to complement Jacobs in a change-of-pace role and eventually serve as the team’s lead back.

Todd McShay of The Ringer compared Washington’s game to current NFL star Kenneth Walker III, noting that both players combine size, speed, and explosive rushing ability. Washington’s 2025 college season with Arkansas demonstrated his versatility:

• 167 carries for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns
• 6.4 yards per carry average
• 28 receptions for 226 yards and one receiving touchdown

While his pass blocking may require development—similar to Walker III coming out of college—Washington’s combination of power, agility, and receiving ability makes him an attractive long-term investment.

Balancing Experience and Youth in Green Bay

For the Packers, retaining Jacobs while integrating Washington offers several benefits:

1. Immediate Production: Jacobs remains a reliable, experienced workhorse capable of leading the backfield.
2. Long-Term Planning: Washington’s rookie season provides a developmental period, allowing him to adjust to NFL speed and complexity.
3. Roster Flexibility: By using a rookie in a complementary role, the Packers preserve salary cap space while gradually preparing for a smooth transition at running back.

This approach mirrors successful NFL teams that have blended veteran leadership with emerging talent, ensuring continuity while building for the future.

The Packers’ Running Back Timeline

Jacobs’ contract situation further underscores the importance of drafting and developing Washington. While Jacobs will return for the 2026 season, the Packers may view him as a one-year bridge to the future. Washington could see meaningful snaps alongside Jacobs initially, then take on a more significant role once Jacobs eventually retires or moves on.

Additionally, the Packers’ backfield depth chart could feature Marshawn Lloyd in a complementary role, giving the team multiple rushing options. This multi-tiered approach protects against injury and ensures that Green Bay maintains a balanced offensive attack.

Why Green Bay Makes Sense for Washington

Washington becomes an ideal fit in Green Bay due to the offensive scheme, coaching staff, and veteran leadership in place. The Packers’ offensive line remains strong, capable of opening lanes for both power runners and explosive backs. Under Head Coach Matt LaFleur, Washington will have the guidance necessary to transition from college to professional football while learning from Jacobs’ experience.

If Washington fulfills his potential, he could emerge as one of the NFL’s most dynamic young running backs, blending elite speed, vision, and strength to carry the Packers’ offense well into the next decade.

Conclusion

The Green Bay Packers’ 2026 running back strategy is a careful mix of short-term reliability and long-term planning. Josh Jacobs will provide stability and veteran leadership, while Mike Washington Jr. offers a high-upside, developmental option to eventually succeed him.

By leveraging Jacobs’ experience and Washington’s potential, the Packers could maintain a productive running game immediately while preparing for the future, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the NFC North and beyond.

The coming months will be crucial for both players: Jacobs must prove he can still handle a heavy workload despite age and injury history, while Washington will aim to demonstrate that he is ready to contribute at the professional level.

If both succeed, Green Bay could boast one of the most formidable backfields in the NFL for the 2026 season and beyond.