Why did the Packers sign Josh Jacobs? Explaining how former rushing champ fits in Green Bay's RB depth chart

The Packers had a changing of the guards in their backfield this offseason.

Green Bay faced a tough decision with long-time running back Aaron Jones entering free agency. Instead of re-signing the seven-year Packers veteran, the front office elected to go after a younger replacement.

The Packers signed 26-year-old running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million contract with $12.5 million guaranteed. The following week, Jones signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Green Bay's rival Vikings.

With Jordan Love leading a new era of Packers football, Jacobs will join him in the backfield as a similarly versatile version of Jones, just with fewer miles on his NFL career.

Why did Green Bay sign Jacobs, and where does he fit in the depth chart? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.

Why did the Packers sign Josh Jacobs?

Aaron Jones' production tapered off last season once he was hampered by a hamstring injury and MCL sprain. He only rushed for 656 yards and two touchdowns — both career lows since he became an every-game starter in 2019.

Set to turn 30 this season with a nagging injury history, the Packers elected to go with a new look in their backfield.

Green Bay made a relatively hefty commitment to Jacobs this offseason, but the Alabama product has proven capable of living up to his contract. When healthy, Jacobs has been one of the best running backs in the NFL over the past few seasons.

Two seasons ago, Jacobs won the NFL rushing title with 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns on 340 carries. He also had 53 receptions for 400 yards, totaling an NFL-leading 393 touches and 2,053 yards from scrimmage.

His dynamic skillset as a receiving back makes the transition from Jones to Jacobs simple, which likely added to the financial commitment from the Packers' front office.

Jacobs was limited to a career-low 13 games due to a quad injury last season, but he will be healthy to start 2024. He still rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns on 233 carries and added another 296 yards and 37 receptions through the air in 2023.

That type of dual threat will open things up for Love in the passing game — and Jacobs, himself, cited that as a reason he came to Green Bay.

After mentioning the Packers' Super Bowl potential, he talked about how he fits in on the roster.

“Obviously, young quarterback, young skill guys, good offensive line,” Jacobs said. “So, for a running back, can’t load the box, and, when you do, you still got guys that can move people around. I think that’s the thing that kind of excited me the most.”

Packers RB depth chart

Jacobs will immediately replace Jones as Green Bay's RB1.

AJ Dillon will still compete for backfield carries and receptions, but expect a more lopsided split in Jacobs' favor than we saw with Jones over the past few seasons.

MarShawn Lloyd — a rookie third-round pick out of USC — was expected to fill the RB3 slot, but he has been dealing with a hip and hamstring injury in training camp. 2023 undrafted free agent Emanuel Wilson is currently listed as the next man up on Green Bay's official depth chart.