Monday marked a significant change in the Green Bay Packers’ running back room. Following the release of veteran rusher Aaron Jones and the opening of the trade market for AJ Dillon, the Packers signed two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Jacobs to a one-year contract (with three one-year options).
The Packers still need to fix the backfield even though Jacobs, 26, is an improvement over Dillon and the elderly Jones. Green Bay is in need of a backup running back to cover their newest addition since Ellis Merriweather, who joined the practice squad in November, is the only other running back on the roster.
Luckily, the Packers, who still have $31 million to spend, have reasonably priced options, according to Spotrac. Here are three of the best affordable RB choices that they ought to focus on this spring.
Ezekiel Elliott is the only option available to the Packers if they want to provide Jacobs with an experienced backup.
After the Dallas Cowboys selected the former Ohio State rusher in the 2024draft, he has emerged as one of the league’s top running backs. Elliott has been the league leader in carries (2,065) and is second in rushing yards (8,904) and touchdowns (71) during the past eight seasons.
Elliott still has a lot to offer on the football field, even though he is past his peak. The 28-year-old played in all 17 of the New England Patriots’ games the previous season, gaining 642 yards and three touchdowns on 184 rushes in addition to 313 yards and two more scores on 51 receptions.
Additionally, Elliott weighs a few more pounds and is two inches taller than Jacobs, so signing him gives the Packers’ running backa little larger. It’s also important to note that Elliott has missed less games than Jacobs has over the last five seasons—three against Jacobs’ ten—which emphasizes why having a reliable backup quarterback would be nicea little larger.
The Patriots’ lack of interest in re-signing Elliott following their acquisition of Antonio Gibson presents the ideal opportunity for the Packers to get the 2024 rushing yards leader.
