The Packers’ RB2 Problem
With Wilson gone, Jacobs is without a reliable running mate. The Packers seem determined to find one.
By Mark Ballard
When Packers GM Brian Gutekunst took the baton from Ted Thompson in 2018, he inherited an emerging duo of talented, second-year running backs – Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Those two thrived for a couple years until Gutekunst bet big with the 62nd overall pick in the 2020 draft, selecting AJ Dillon, a bulldozing back from Boston College. A year later, Williams was let go and then Jones and Dillon became the steady tandem.
That pair last several years, until 2024, when things shifted radically. Gutekunst sent Packers fans on an emotional roller coaster, signing the still-in-his-prime Josh Jacobs but then releasing the beloved Jones to free agency. A season-ending injury to Dillon in training camp shifted matters further, sending Gutekunst scrambling for Emanuel Wilson, an undrafted player waived by the Denver Broncos after just three days.
Through two years, Jacobs has been everything the Packers could’ve hoped for and Wilson seized his opportunity, too, proving to be a very capable second option.
Wilson was so capable, in fact, that he caught the interest of Seattle, who signed him to a new deal this offseason. And while Jacobs delivered another solid effort last season, it potentially came at a cost. Jacobs was bothered by a persistent knee injury suffered on the MetLife cement in Week 11. He also managed a calf strain and ankle issues during the year. To his tremendous credit, Jacobs largely played through the pain – and played very well.
But wear and tear adds up. Since 2020, only one NFL running back, the super-human Derrick Henry, has toted the rock more times than Jacobs’ 1,598 carries. Now entering his age 28 season, it’s fair to wonder how much Jacobs has left in the tank.
So with Wilson gone and Jacobs battered, the Packers suddenly find themselves without an established pair for the first time in Gutekunst's tenure. Indeed, they re-signed Chris Brooks this offseason. Although an adequate runner and a savant in pass protection, Brooks seems more “specialist” than “starter”.
The Packers also have Pierre Strong Jr. Still just 27 years old, Strong is another capable back but it seems unlikely the Packers will settle on him as the #2 behind Jacobs.
There’s also MarShawn Lloyd. Gutekust almost certainly envisioned the USC phenom as a potential “Robin” to Jacobs’ “Batman”, but through two seasons, Lloyd has produced 6 carries for 15 yards and 1 reception for 3 yards – not the ideal return for the 88th overall pick. Lloyd’s injuries have included his hamstring (twice), hip, ankle, groin, and calf. The poor guy even had appendicitis.
Maybe there’s a miracle world where Lloyd regains his USC form in 2026, but after two wasted years, I doubt the Packers are counting on it. As they say, “Fool me three times, there’s twice as much shame on me!”
So what will the Packers do?
If you hadn’t heard, there’s an NFL draft in two weeks. That might be an opportunity for Gutekunst to fill the gap. But possessing only 7 picks, and with (perhaps) more urgent needs in the trenches and secondary, Gutekunst may decide that an early pick on a running back is a luxury he can’t afford.
The Packers did meet in person with Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. who possesses tantalizing size and 4.33 speed. Projected to be a day 2 pick, perhaps Gutekunst pulls the trigger and worries about other needs in later rounds. In Dillon and Lloyd, Gutekunst has displayed a willingness to go RB early.
The Packers have also shown interest in Indiana’s Kaelon Black. The team conducted a formal interview with Black at the Senior Bowl and recently brought him to Green Bay for more evaluation and conversation. The National Champion is projected to be a mid round/day 3 pick and comes to the table with a physical running style not unlike Jacobs.
Gutekunst could also elect to wait until even later at running back – the Bears and Commanders did well in the 7th round last year with Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai and Auburn’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt, respectively.
If not the draft, free agency is technically still an option for Gutekunst. However, if he was unwilling to re-sign Wilson, it’s hard to imagine him paying for any of the remaining options, which include Unc-ish names like Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Austin Eckler, Kareem Hunt, Miles Sanders, and Antonio Gibson.
For his part, Gutekunst does seem determined to add from somewhere. At the NFL’s annual meetings, the Packers GM was asked if the Packers are looking to add “a true No. 2 running back,” and Gutekunst made his intention clear. “We will certainly add competition to that room,” he said. “Whether it’s MarShawn as we get him healthy and get him going, Pierre Strong’s there…there’s guys that we really like. But I’m sure there will be more competition to come.”
In the Packers’ world, running backs can (and often do), come from anywhere. Emanuel Wilson, Ryan Grant, and Samkon Gado all came from other team’s practice squads, and heck, DeJuan Harris came from a used car lot in Jacksonville, FL. Indeed, sometimes what you’re looking for is where you least expect it.
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Mark Ballard is an obsessive Green Bay Packers fan, born in Buffalo Bills country, but raised right by a Mom from Rice Lake, WI. You can find him on X at @ballark
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Comments (40)
HarryHodag
April 09, 2026 at 11:31 am
Pretty much what I said in a post a day or so ago.
TKWorldWide
April 10, 2026 at 06:09 am
From your keyboard to CHTV’s….keyboard. 😂🏈
SicSemperTyrannis
April 10, 2026 at 05:39 pm
I'm still surprised they let Emanuel Wilson go
golfpacker61
April 09, 2026 at 11:41 am
This was a real unnecessary self-inflicted wound. We had a very solid #2 RB in Wilson and we let him skate for a pittance. Our RBs suffered last year because of the OL injuries we had. Even Jacobs regressed from 2024.
The worst thing we could do is spend pick #52 on a RB like one year wonder Mike Washington. And why? Because he ran a fast 40 time and ran for 1000 yards for the first time in his career? GB has actual needs and #2 RB is down the list. If we want a RB this year, Gutey better come up with some more picks because the first 2 need to be spent on players at positions of need that can start in 2026, Edge and CB.
If, I was drafting a RB this year, it would be Nicholas Singleton-Penn State, who has rushed for as many yards as Washington, he also ran for 45 TDs, caught 102 passes for another 9 TDs, is just as fast, and did all his damage at a Big 10 powerhouse in 4 years. And he is probably a 4th or 5th round pick, not a 2nd rounder.
We only have 7 picks and more needs than that. Just sign a FA RB for cheap to be the backup, there will be plenty available after the draft, and push RB to the 2027 draft and we also won't piss off Jacobs, who we need this year, not in 2027.
Cheezehead72
April 09, 2026 at 12:24 pm
The only way the Packers would have kept Wilson was to tender him or give him a much better contract than what Seattle gave him. They did not tender him because it would have cost 3.5 mil right away.
Wilson wanted to go to a team where he had a better chance to start, It appears he will be their starting RB the first part of the seasno with Seattle.
Coldworld
April 09, 2026 at 12:30 pm
We were more enamored of paying a protection back than our number 2. That is in part due to our repeated failure to value and roster a true TE who can protect, lead block and help in line. There are a few TEs this year who can already do that mid late in the draft, Dallen Bentley, Nowakowski, Kacmarek and the more often hyped Roush being examples.
Now we need a RB, but we won’t put RBs that can’t protect out on the field, so, realistically we aren’t going to feature most rookies. Of those capable, which certainly excludes Washington, quite a few probably are physically outside of our parameters and few excite as pure runners.
Perhaps the best fit as a protector and runner might be Jonah Coleman, but he’s likely a late 2nd/3rd round pick. I think it’s unlikely we take him there, even if he’s available. We have another, roughly similar if less talented type in for a visit in Kaelon Black, who is projected late. Honestly I’m not sure he’s better than the carry overs Strong and Martinez and likely rawer as a protector after their time in the league.
I think we pick up a back, but if we do I think it will be late or as a UDFA. I think we may well pick up a SFA if we see one better. I think LaFleur thinks Brooks can do more as a runner and hopes Lloyd makes that less essential.
Personally, I suspect Wilson may not have wanted to return after being treated every prior off season as the 4th back (including Lloyd) and heading into this season knowing Brooks was being targeted for extension despite his production.
jannesbjornson
April 09, 2026 at 01:29 pm
Singleton will not drop past Rd.Three. He probably goes Rd Two. If Jadarian Price fell to #52, he would be fair game.
WD
April 09, 2026 at 04:21 pm
Check your data please. Mike Washington led the SEC in carries of over 20 yards in 2025. This is exactly what the Packers need to make our offense great. Some people around here have forgot that the team who scores the most wins.
That said the RB from Penn would be a good third round pick if Washington was gone . I think our defense is going to be fine. especially when Parsons returns . The best way to keep our defense from being on the field is an offense that only gets off after scoring TDs .
davekenya
April 09, 2026 at 06:49 pm
MW is a punishing, downhill runner who's style fits Green Bay’s zone-blocking "one-cut" backs who can find a lane and explode through it. Washington fits the Inside Zone and Gap concepts perfectly. Potentially Jacobs but faster.
I would take him in the 3rd round. He won't play his rookie year as his pass blocking sucks and needs improvement..as does his fumbling. He hasn't caught the ball much, but neither did Wilson and he turned out great in this regard.
He'd be great for 2027 as Lloyd may be gone unless he does anything beyond teasing and it's hard to know where Jacobs will be at.
MW has a high ceiling ... esp. if he can be coached up to overcome his his hands problems and pass-pro technique.
If not RB early, while GB never picks small backs...they could go 7th round Noah Whittington for change of pace and pass catching/KR experience or ST role. Because he's older, he might sneak onto practice squad too...less upside, but 'safer' in most ways and a late pick/FA so cheap to get...
SicSemperTyrannis
April 10, 2026 at 05:44 pm
RB won't do better than #8 without better performance from our O line.
TKWorldWide
April 10, 2026 at 06:12 am
Running backs can definitely be had in the late rounds. Just like IOL. Let’s see what happens.
TarynsEyes
April 09, 2026 at 11:54 am
Let's add this article to the others concerning the problems the Packers have or need to remedy smehow.
OL, DL, Edge, DB, WR, RB, QB (backup) Salary cap, FA.
Nine problems with varying degrees of detriment for forward progress from the mire the team has been stuck in.
Seven draft picks, with one likely being a QB, but shouldn't, no 1st round selection, too many places to draft for with the second that would offer a high degree of success making that issue non-existent going forward, the percentage of getting 2 first-year guys to contribute to a needed level of better than what is, believing the coaching staff is able to get what it needs out of the player or them being able to accomplish such, and MLF actually doing a better job in all aspects of a HC, simply doesn't bode well for anything being accomplished with this draft or the FA market before camp arrives.
The saving factor, at the moment for the Packers to look improved come camp, is how far the others have fallen in comparison to what GB cannot. do. It could be like the old days; GB wins the division more by default of others being bad than by being the superior or at least simply the better team. One thing remains the same at this point: the playoffs will again be a challenge with a one-and-done the best odds.
What needs to be understood before it can be changed is to stop thinking that sitting on a bench watching others move is you moving and them sitting on the bench or moving to another bench, as in lateral moves.
Pizzadoc
April 09, 2026 at 05:40 pm
Wow. You lost me at the end, but that first half was a powerful eviceration of the current situation.
Hopefully the season goes better than that. I'm getting tired of getting kicked out of the playoffs. It is hard to expect much to change. However, we did luck out in the draft recently, hopefully we do well this year and have a chance to go to the SB in the next couple years.
WD
April 09, 2026 at 12:23 pm
223 lbs and 4,3 speed makes him the fastest RB in the draft. Not to mention his size. I do not think there is any chance of getting him at 52 but stranger things can happen. This is the type of player Lloyd was supposed to be. We have other areas that need to be addressed in my view but without Lloyd and oft injured Jacobs we have no one.
The offense's greatest need is a great ruining game . The O-line is not the only group responsible to blame. No one fears our run any more. Nor the mobility of Love. A great running game will help Love's passing game like never before, . Frankly I can easily see Washington Jr competing for our number one back. Look at how drafting Gibbs in the first round changed the entire offense for the Lions.
We will once again have a thunder and lighting ground game with this pick. I would even trade up for him as he will most likely be long gone before 52, He would make our whole offense one of the most dynamic in the league. A true game changer who is a TD threat every time he touches the ball! Get it done and we win the division.
Cheezehead72
April 09, 2026 at 12:33 pm
I believe Washington will be there at 52. I'm not sure if I want the Packers to take him at 52. You got me to read about him. I like to look at a players weaknesses and the ones that stand out to me are he is slow to see the hole, seems to be slow on the outside zone which the Packers run, and has issues with fumbles.
I am not a coach but of those I think the only thing that is really coachable it the fumbling issue. The other might come in time. It will be interesting to see when he is picked. I like a good run game too.
WD
April 09, 2026 at 04:09 pm
Granted, he had 3 fumbles in 2025. Hopefully that flag allows to him to drop into the second round. However ,he also led the SEC in runs of over 20 yards! This shows that combine skills alone are not everything. Every player in the draft will have his strengths and weaknesses. You have cherry picked only the negatives.,
Here's the deal. If the Packers can't run the ball they don't win in the playoffs. Just who will be running the ball when Jacobs (at age 28 ) is unavailable? His injuries are already starting to show up.
And, You would not even take Washington at 52? WTF?
Coldworld
April 10, 2026 at 09:06 am
Under LaFleur, despite his potential and even if his ball security issues are overcome, I think he would ride the bench/be inactive almost entirely this year due to his significant protection deficiencies. That’s not an investment I want to see made in our early picks this year.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 10, 2026 at 05:50 pm
You're talking about #8 being "often injured" but not considering the O line.
You can't make that make sense.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 10, 2026 at 05:48 pm
None of that happens unless our O line is significantly more effective than last year.
splitpea1
April 09, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Even though Marshawn might be a hangnail away from being cut, we still can't afford to use a premium pick on a RB. Gute will have to do the best he can to fill Wilson's void in the later rounds or the post-draft period.
Washington, Jr. is projected to go between the late second and third rounds. Besides, he has demonstrated considerable fumbleitis throughout his career, so that's a serious red flag.
WD
April 09, 2026 at 12:37 pm
I will be shocked if he s doesn't go by 52. Moreover why settle for bologna when you can have prime rib!
GreenandBold
April 09, 2026 at 01:01 pm
WD that doesn’t stand for Washington’s Dad does it ?
BuckyBadger
April 09, 2026 at 12:37 pm
The Packers should be looking for a RB1 as well. At age 28 the drop off for Jacobs could very well come this season. There is a lot of wear on those tires and I wouldn't bank on him being the bell cow back for a full season anymore. This offense goes no where fast when the fun game gets shut down.
Cheezehead72
April 09, 2026 at 12:45 pm
I was thinking the same thing. Jones was 29 when the Packers released him.
Cheezehead72
April 09, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Rahsul Faison is a very good three down back that can be taken in the later rounds. His weaknesses can be coached up. The one drawback which might be a good thing is he is 26 years old.
stockholder
April 09, 2026 at 01:44 pm
If RB is the BPA, you take him.
Forget Need. Forget we have Jacobs.
But you don't take a Flynn with a injured past.
And you don't play a hunch.
Los Vegas got rich on hunches.
Coldworld
April 09, 2026 at 02:07 pm
There is only one back I see with a chance of playing who is both interesting as a runner and has a chance of being competent in blitz pick up. That’s Jonah Coleman. He’s likely gone or would have to be our first pick. Washington is fast but he’s neither good nor willing as a protector.
The only other really interesting back is Randall, but he’s a work in progress conversion who still needs polishing. There are guys like kaelon Black, but I don’t see him or them as either good enough blockers or particularly exciting runners who could handle subbing for Jacobs.
Just an uninspiring group. Perhaps Gute can dig up the next Wilson from off the radar (though protection will likely be an issue). Perhaps strong (who does run a 4.37 40) is a real candidate, though he’s a smaller, faster type or Martinez has improved his protection.
In theory Martinez had the size and power. He does have good vision and balance. He’s not shy of contact. Honestly, I’m not sure he isn’t potentially more interesting and plausible this year than those in this draft that suit physically and are likely available for a reasonable draft pick.
Oppy
April 09, 2026 at 02:45 pm
Chris books - ‘pass pro savant, ‘adequate runner’, but somehow, not a suitable running mate for Jacobs. Says he’s not exactly starter material, more backup.. I’m not sure how to break the news, but he’d would be the back up for Jacobs. That’s implied with the #2” part of the title.
Cheezehead72
April 10, 2026 at 06:48 am
I have said that Chris Brooks is a better all around back than Wilson. His problem is this coaching staff never gave him a chance. They stuck with Wilson. If Brooks would have been RB2 last year we might have seen what he could have done.
I hope Brooks is the RB2 this year. He is the type of back that compliments Jacobs.
Coldworld
April 10, 2026 at 09:23 am
Chris Brooks is a limited athlete. He’s not a bad 3rd option on game day and he’s an elite protector with decent hands. That’s it.
He’s clearly a LaFleur favorite. In reality, I see his retention as a sign of consensus roster building: LaFleur demanding his safety blanket over the need for true running talent and Gute/Ball acquiescing.
My guess is you are right. LaFleur will treat Brooks as the first up if Jacobs goes out even if Lloyd is healthy, with Lloyd being a tactical change of pace option unless he simply blows us away.
Brooks in place of Wilson would be a step back in terms of our running game, which is why Wilson always snuck in to the roster by the start of the regular season (with Dillon then Lloyd sidelined).
Interestingly, there are a few true TEs who can block in line and as lead as well as play TE. Dallen Bentley might be my favorite though Roush has more hype. Nowakowski and Kacmarek are others. Each one brings us more than any TE we’ve had other than Kraft since Lewis. They do things Brooks can’t (in line and lead) as well as protect. Let’s see if Gute grabs one and if LaFleur then uses one.
.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 10, 2026 at 05:57 pm
Agreed, a TE like that does more for this offense than RB or WR. Most importantly, it frees up #85.
dobber
April 10, 2026 at 07:21 am
A good OL will make a so-so back look good.
A lousy OL will make a decent back look very average.
I'd rather invest in the OL and let the RB follow.
"Wilson was so capable, in fact, that he caught the interest of Seattle, who signed him to a new deal this offseason."
I thought the Packers would try to bypass the RFA tender (about $3.5M) and try to sign Wilson to a lesser, one-year deal...which is in essence what Seattle did. But keep in mind that Seattle only gave him one year at about. $2M, too, so not a sign that his market was robust. No RB not named Jacobs, Wilson, or Brooks played an offensive snap for the Packers last season. If they liked Pierre Strong so much, we would've seen him play last season when he was elevated from the PS. He never played a snap of offense or STs (which he as a long track record of playing).
Whatever the case, the Packers need to find Jacobs' replacement in this draft or the next, or as an FA, and I think letting Wilson walk signals that they plan to do so. I'm not counting on Lloyd at this point.
Coldworld
April 10, 2026 at 09:39 am
I always thought one of Wilson or Brooks would need to leave this off season. With Jacobs not going anywhere and not getting younger and Lloyd being an increasing question mark, it seemed unlikely that we wouldn’t need to bring in new blood.
I also thought the choice would be indicative of who pulls the strings. In my view a GM retains Wilson who has consistently carried the team well in Jacobs absence and become a reliable protector. LaFleur has made no secret of his admiration for Brooks, lo and behold Brooks is signed.
I can’t prove it, but I think that this is another illustration of push me-pull you roster (and game day actives) creation that has resulted from Murphy removing the GMs authority over the HC. Over time the signs—handling of Golden, Morgan, Belton and say returners being salient potential examples—are increasing in number and significance. That’s being reflected in our underperformance I believe.
deepsouth
April 11, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Wilson did a good job for us but since he's gone
perhaps we can find a good rb later in the draft.
I think Strong and Martinez, who are already with
us, are possible options that we should not over-
look.
greengold
April 10, 2026 at 11:58 am
Elephant in the room is the wide open canyon of cap space created, pointedly, this offseason. I can’t help but think Watson & Kraft extensions were part of the impetus to do so.
The other aspect in overtly freeing up $$$ is it allows a possible trade or two, or FA signing(s) post draft.
I agree with the points being made to add MAULERS up front in this draft. I believe that’s what Gutekunst will target early and late.
DL additions likely to be added with more veteran players via trade or FA.
A legit RB early as a running mate alongside Josh Jacobs, with an improved group of plows up front can go a very long way towards keeping our D fresh and off the field.
Improved protection up front for Love, and improved run blocking will be key to reaching the Championship goal. Banks & Rhyan called out for improvements loudly in 2025 with their performances, making upgrades there an easy call.
I’ll take FA signings of Calais Campbell or Christian Wilkins added to our DL all day alongside Javon Hargrave & Warren Brinson. If Gutekunst knows he’s got more DL help coming after the draft? Oh, yeah. That opens our draft options significantly.
Get your best players where you need them - by all means available. Lotta positions calling out for upgrades.
Coldworld
April 10, 2026 at 03:34 pm
OTC has us at 22 million and a bit under. We need 8-10 million or so for Draft picks and other pick ups, including in season emergencies. So about 12 million if we don’t sign anyone major/trade for a significant contract. Not oodles, but enough to get those extensions done probably.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 10, 2026 at 06:02 pm
Can Gutey draft a better NT than he can a CB? FA CB the better choice of the two? Still need to draft at least one CB (probably more) but for legitimate snaps this year a FA seems more likely to me ...
Oppy
April 10, 2026 at 11:23 pm
2027 draft class is (supposedly) deep.
Green Bay has amassed what looks potentially to be a max number of mid round comp picks (rds 3/4) in 2027 from allowing Willis, Doubs, potentially Walker, etc go via free agency.
They garnered an additional 2027 4th round pick from Dallas in the Gary trade, and now have added another later-day three pick (6th round) in 2027 with the Wicks move. The Packers could be looking at over ten draft picks in 2027 (dependent on if they use some of that capital to move in this year's draft or not.)
Starting caliber OL can be found in the middle of the draft. I fully expect the Packers are lining up to retool the OL in a significant way in 2027. I believe 2026 will be a year of re-investing in key players already on the roster and adding what we can, where we can.. but by my estimation 2027 is where the Packers are planning to add serious depth and really attempt to upgrade and retool.
deepsouth
April 11, 2026 at 12:45 pm
I like Calais but i'd say no to Wilkins. I'd like it if we
were able to get D.J. Reader.
gsd3
April 11, 2026 at 12:59 am
I like Emmett Johnson if he is there in the 4th or later.