Josh Jacobs, the new running back for the Green Bay Packers, never imagined he’d be wearing green and gold. Since the Raiders made him their first-round pick in 2019, Jacobs had hoped to stay with the silver and black for his entire career. But as the 2023 offseason unfolded, it became clear that his future wouldn’t be with Las Vegas.
Despite a fractured relationship with the Raiders, Jacobs remained loyal enough to avoid joining their fiercest rival—the Kansas City Chiefs. Though the defending champions made a strong push to sign him, Jacobs couldn’t envision himself in their colors.
“They were trying to get me hard,” Jacobs shared with The Athletic. “But there was no way I was going there. Once you are rivals with somebody, you have a genuine hate for them. I couldn’t see myself in that color. And besides, I never wanted to be the guy that joined the dominant team. I want to be the guy that beats the dominant team.”
Packers Secure Jacobs With a $48 Million Deal
Instead of joining the Chiefs, Jacobs inked a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers. However, the contract comes with flexibility—Green Bay has the option to part ways with Jacobs after each season. In other words, the running back will need to prove himself every year to stay on the team.
For Packers fans, Jacobs’ arrival comes with mixed emotions. While they’re excited about his potential, some still feel the sting of losing Aaron Jones, who was released despite finishing last season strong. Jones had been a beloved figure in the locker room and among fans, leaving Jacobs with big shoes to fill.
Unlike the outgoing Jones, who was known for his vocal leadership, Jacobs is quieter and more reserved. But he brings a bruising, workhorse mentality to the field—a trait that saw him lead the NFL in rushing yards in 2023 with 1,653 yards. While Jacobs struggled in 2024, accumulating 805 yards in 13 games, he’s ready to revitalize his career in Green Bay.
A Hunger to Win
What excites Jacobs most about his new team is the youthful hunger within the Packers’ roster. Many of his new teammates are still on their first contracts, fighting for their futures in the NFL.
“A lot of guys aren’t on their second contract,” Jacobs said. “And that excited me because I know how players play when they’re hungry and want to get the contract to set up their family for life.”
This mindset resonates with Jacobs, who left Las Vegas disappointed after the Raiders opted to franchise-tag him instead of offering a long-term deal following his stellar 2023 campaign.
Raiders Fallout
Jacobs’ frustrations with the Raiders began when they tagged him rather than rewarding him with a lucrative contract. Despite leading the league in rushing, Jacobs felt undervalued, leading to a holdout that strained his relationship with the organization. The Raiders eventually sweetened their offer, but the damage had already been done.
“Trust was missing then,” Jacobs reflected. “I wasn’t really mentally there, not happy to be there. Obviously, I loved my teammates, so I was going to give everything I had for them, but I felt like I had been slapped in my face.”
In the end, Jacobs chose a fresh start with the Packers rather than revenge on the Raiders by signing with the Chiefs. For Green Bay, that decision could prove to be a stroke of luck, adding a determined running back with something to prove.
