“Countdown to camp” is a position-by-position overview of the Packers’ roster heading into training camp. The series continues with the running backs.
GREEN BAY – The Packers haven’t seen this profound a change to their offensive backfield in seven years.
That’s when Aaron Jones was drafted, and in his seven seasons in Green Bay, he led the Packers in rushing five times. One of the years he finished second, 2021, was by four yards to AJ Dillon. The other was his rookie season, when fellow draftee Jamaal Williams edged him.
But now the Jones era has given way to Josh Jacobs‘ time, as in March the Packers made their biggest investment in an offensive free agent since lineman Billy Turner in 2019.
Jacobs immediately steps in as the Packers’ No. 1 running back, and he brings with him three 1,000-yard seasons, two Pro Bowls and an NFL rushing title from 2022. That year, Jacobs ran for 1,653 yards and 12 TDs in being named first-team All-Pro.
Leaving a Raiders team in a constant state of turnover for the stability of the up-and-coming Packers was highly attractive to Jacobs. A hefty, multi-year contract helped, too, after the former first-round draft pick from Alabama played his fifth NFL season on the franchise tag.
He has spoken openly about wanting to play postseason football and use the biggest games to leave a legacy, and he expects to be in position to do so. Head Coach Matt LaFleur could utilize him in a variety of ways offensively, as he did with Jones, and he’s chatted with Jacobs about possibly boosting his production as a pass catcher. Jacobs possesses the skills, having averaged 40 receptions per season with the Raiders.
The Packers also hope to maximize the powerful style, youth (age 26) and durability of the 5-10, 223-pound back. Jacobs has missed just 10 games in five years, four of them late last season due to a quad injury.
Behind Jacobs, the offense has intriguing depth at running back, but how exactly the pecking order will shake out isn’t yet clear.
Dillon (6-0, 247) has returned on a one-year deal after his rookie contract expired, and he brings not only the most extensive knowledge of LaFleur’s offense at the position, but also 2,428 rushing yards and 16 TDs of experience in it.
Last year, Dillon’s turn as the No. 1 back while Jones was injured didn’t go as well as hoped, but he was still highly effective in third-down and…
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