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NFL insider calls Packers signing Josh Jacobs most head-scratching move of free agency

profilephotocropby:Suzanne Halliburton•03/23/24•

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josh jacobs Packers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Some cheered the Packers for signing Josh Jacobs, although it came at a steeper cost than just his contract. Green Bay released Aaron Jones to make room for the new running back.

And that dynamic had some questioning the move. ESPN writer Stephania Bell called it the biggest head scratcher of free agency.

The NFL insider wrote of the Packers move “it’s true, last season was an off year for Aaron Jones. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1, and it limited his availability throughout the season. But the oft-repeated mantra was that Jones was the heart of the team, a critical presence in the locker room and the key to its run game.

“The argument against Jones is he’s an aging running back who was going to cost too much to re-sign,” Bell said. “Yet the Packers brought in a back on a more expensive multiyear deal (four years, $48 million) who has fewer years of play in the league but has accrued mileage at a faster rate. This is not about Jacobs’ undeniable talent, it’s about the rationale.”

aaron jones Packers
Aaron Jones was a popular Packers player. He signed with the Vikings. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jacobs said he signed with Packers because of its young talent

Jacobs, a former Alabama standout, is a year removed from winning the NFL rushing title. But after a contract standoff last summer, Jacobs suffered through his worst season in the NFL. A lot of that had to do with a strained quad, which cost him the final four games of the season. He rushed for 805 yards with six touchdowns. He also caught 37 passes for 296 yards.

The running back said he signed with the Packers, in part, because of Jordan Love and the other young offensive talent on the roster.

“Young quarterback, young skill guys, good offensive line,” Jacobs told reporters during his introductory press conference. “For a running back, you can’t load the box. And when you do, you’ve still got guys that can move people around. That’s the thing that excited me the most.”

And Jacobs said he knows Jones, who signed with the Vikings. The two worked out together in the off season in Miami.

“Obviously he’s a legend around here,” Jacobs said of Jones. ”I don’t really consider myself coming in and replacing what he’s done. I just try to hold that standard.”

And for what it’s worth, Jacobs will wear his No. 8 with the Packers. The number belonged to backup quarterback Sean Clifford last season. But there has been a change.

Clifford confirmed the swap via social media. He wrote “was a great run, but wouldn’t want anyone else to rep the (an eight-ball emoji)! Excited to get to work brother, Josh Jacobs. Time for a new era ….#6Shooter”