Packers release Pro Bowl RB, to sign former rushing yards leader

The Green Bay Packers made arguably the most surprising move of free agency thus far by signing a former NFL rushing yards leader while, as a result, saying goodbye to their long-time running back.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Packers are expected to sign former Raiders All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, who Las Vegas reportedly wanted back.

Many believed Jacobs, the NFL's rushing yards leader in 2022, was going to create arguably the best running back duo in the league with Aaron Jones, a three-time 1,000-yard rusher.

However, Green Bay has since informed Jones that he's going to be released after the two sides attempted to work on a new deal but talks broke down. 

Jones, who's spent the past seven years with the Packers, will now hit the open market at 29 while Jacobs takes over his lead-back role.

Jacobs did have a bit of a down year in 2023, rushing for just 805 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games, but he is still only 26 and there's a strong argument that he's getting an upgrade at offensive line with the Packers.

Green Bay was already expected to add to their running back room as RB A.J. Dillon is a free agent, but now with Jones also gone, Jacobs will have plenty of opportunities to build upon Green Bay's rush attack, which ranked in the middle of the league in rush yards per game (112.1) in 2023.

As for the Raiders, they reportedly have confidence in Zamir White, a fourth-round pick in 2022. However, they are likely to add to their running back room in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.

This year's rookie class isn't rich with running back talent, but there are a few names to watch such as Texas' Jonathon Brooks, Tennessee's Jaylen Wright and Michigan's Blake Corum.

The running back position has been one of the least valued positions in football over the past few years, but the list of big-name free-agent running backs, which now includes Aaron Jones, seems to be flying off the free-agent boards with an underwhelming running back draft class ahead.