Josh Jacobs opens up on goals for first season with Packers

Heading into his first season as a Green Bay Packer, Josh Jacobs opened up to NFL Network reporters on The Insiders about his goals for this year and beyond. Though he’s entering just his sixth season in the league, by the Packers’ offense’s standards, he’s a highly experienced veteran.

Despite his experience, Jacobs’ time with the Raiders didn’t allow him much of an opportunity to build a legacy, which is what he hopes to achieve in Green Bay.

“I can honestly say that as I’m getting older and I’m playing longer, I have a real goal of legacy,” Jacobs said this week. “I think that’s a big thing – wanting to play in important games, play in the playoffs, make a deep run and, you know, play in that game if we get there. That’s big for me. I think that’s the most important thing.”

The Packers boast one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFC, which was a big draw for Jacobs when he decided to sign a four-year deal for $48 million in March.

“I honestly think the sky is the limit in this offense,” he said. “Obviously, with having a special guy in Jordan Love, you know, and having a good offensive line and some good receivers out there makes it a lot easier for me. But just to be able to see the game plan and things that they want me to do this year, the things that they’re allowing me to do, I just think it’s going to be a special year.”

Jacobs hopes to boost utility as pass-catcher

Though Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has used a running back-by-committee strategy in the past, Jacobs will be the feature back in Green Bay this year. The three-time 1,000-yard rusher wants to boost his utility to the team in the passing game as well this season. Despite surpassing 300 receiving yards twice so far in his career and totaling 1,448 yards in five seasons, he still doesn’t have a receiving touchdown.

“Just to be able to come out and actually show that I can catch the ball more,” Jacobs said of another goal for 2024. “Not just that but trusting me enough to be able to pick up protections. It’s just so special when you got a guy like Jordan Love back there, and you can’t really just load the box every play, and you make defenses decide what they want to stop. I think that’s going to be the biggest help for me this year.”

A lot has changed for Jacobs in the last five months, including a dramatic shift in scenery from Las Vegas to Green Bay. Though it certainly offers less in terms of nightlife, the former Alabama star is enjoying the serenity so far.

“It’s so quiet, it’s peaceful,” he said. “Every time I think about (Green Bay), I just think football; I think about locking in, I think about perfecting my craft. Hopefully, everything I do this year and (have) been doing this offseason pays off.”

Jacobs and the rest of the Packers kick off training camp this year on July 22nd. That Monday will serve as the first of eight open practices during training camp.