The Green Bay Packers face uncertainty with several key starters this offseason. Josh Jacobs is not one of them.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear where he stands on Jacobs' future. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Gutekunst said Jacobs will "absolutely" return as the Packers' featured running back next season.
It backs up Gutekunst's comments from his end-of-season press conference earlier this month, when he hinted at Jacobs returning by saying "he's got a lot of good years left." Gutekunst seemingly left no doubt on Tuesday.
Brian Gutekunst's comments on Josh Jacobs likely confirm where the Green Bay Packers stand
We shouldn't take Gutekunst's words as gospel. It's lying season, and he has previously made strong comments about a player only to move on weeks later. In 2024, Gutekunst called Aaron Jones the "heartbeat of our team" before releasing him the following month.
However, for the most part, when Gutekunst makes his stance so emphatically clear, we should listen.
Jacobs is under contract for two more seasons. A decision on his future hinged on the Packers' confidence in his ability to remain an elite running back in 2026, and also whether they are content with his contract situation. His cap hit rises to $14.54 million this year, which isn't nothing, but it's also perfectly manageable for a player of his importance.
Green Bay could create a little over $8 million by releasing or trading him, which is why it was a conversation. If the Packers felt like Jacobs' production had declined, moving on made sense. If not, keep him.
When asked about Jaire Alexander last offseason, Gutekunst offered a far more cryptic answer. He never fully committed to retaining the All-Pro cornerback as he has with Jacobs on two occasions.
Gutekunst didn't need to fully commit to Jacobs. He could've given a vaguer answer about expecting Jacobs back, or that he'd "love" for him to return. But he chose to give a clear answer: "Absolutely." No maybes, no uncertainty. Jacobs will return as the featured back.
The Packers lack options. Is Emanuel Wilson ready for an RB1 role? Can they trust MarShawn Lloyd to stay healthy? Unless Gutekunst planned to add a veteran like Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker, it would've been a risky move to let Jacobs go.
The Packers have a free-agency headache brewing, with starters like Romeo Doubs, Rasheed Walker, and Quay Walker all having their contracts expire.
But the plan is clear with Jacobs. He will return in 2026. Gutekunst couldn't have been any more emphatic.