It’s a new start for former Las Vegas Raiders Running Back Josh Jacobs.
The Packers signed the former Raider to a four year contract Monday.
Some Packers fans went wild.
Others though were shocked at the move.
It’s been a while since the Packers went big into Free Agency to sign a big time star like Jacobs.
But hours later the signing started to make sense.
The Packers proceeded to release their star Running Back Aaron Jones after 7 seasons with the team.
That left Jacobs as the default starter for the Packers.
In a press conference last Thursday Jacobs said that he wanted to come play for the Packers because of Jordan Love.
He’ll have that opportunity this season and help the Packers and their offense.
Why the Josh Jacobs signing makes sense?
The Packers saw something in Josh Jacobs when he hit the free agent market Monday.
What they saw was someone who could be an all down Running Back and carry the load, if needed.
The Packers also saw that Jones could possibly leave if he didn’t agree to a pay cut.
Jones only played 11 games last year and was injured most of the year.
With Jones getting a base salary of $11 million and carrying a $17.6 million cap hit, the Packers knew they couldn’t keep him as that price.
This is where Jacobs factor comes into play.
While it would’ve been great to keep both Jones and Jacobs, The Packers saw an upgrade at the running back position with Jacobs.
It wasn’t that long ago Jacobs led the league in rushing.
In 2022, Jacobs led the league with 1,653 yards and had 12 touchdowns, which led to the Raiders franchise tagging him.
Jacobs though had a less than stellar year last season as he only had 805 yards and 6 touchdowns.
While those numbers still look above average, the Packers hope that Jacobs can return to his 2022 form.
The Passing Game effect
Not only can Jacobs be an asset in the running game but he can also be a threat in the passing game as well.
In his time with the Raiders Jacobs accumulated 197 receptions for 1,448 yards.
The Packers could use Jacobs, the same way they used Jones in the passing game.
Conclusion
On paper it seems like the Packers are getting Jones, just a younger, bigger version of him. Overall, it’s very possible that Jacobs will be an upgrade from Jones.
Jacobs said in Fridays presser that he doesn’t consider replacing what Jones has done here, he is just trying to hold the standard here in Green Bay.
It will be interesting to see how Jacobs performs in the Green and Gold this season as for the first time since 2017 the Packers have a new leader at running back.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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