The Green Bay Packers made a surprising move in the offseason by signing Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, a decision that caught head coach Matt LaFleur off guard when they subsequently released veteran Aaron Jones.
While the Dallas Cowboys faced a setback with Tony Pollard’s departure, the Packers bolstered their running back corps by acquiring Jacobs on a lucrative four-year, $48 million deal in free agency.
Initially, with Jacobs, Jones, and AJ Dillon, the Packers boasted a formidable backfield. However, their plans shifted abruptly when they released Jones, who had been gradually regaining form in the latter part of the season. Surprisingly, Dallas was not involved in the pursuit of Jacobs, Jones, or Dillon.
LaFleur admitted that he was taken aback by the swift decision-making process regarding Jones’s release, as he was not fully informed about the situation. Although head coaches typically aren’t involved in such conversations, Jones, when fit, played a pivotal role in LaFleur’s offensive strategies, prompting a desire for better communication.
Nevertheless, the Packers proceeded with Jacobs and Dillon as their primary running backs to complement Jordan Love and the offensive unit. Despite the setback of Jones’s departure, the franchise remains focused on strengthening its roster after a successful 2023 season that culminated in a playoff appearance and a notable victory over the Dallas Cowboys before a close defeat to the San Francisco 49ers.
While the addition of Jacobs is undoubtedly a positive development for LaFleur and the team, the unexpected release of Jones may still be difficult to digest, given the coach’s lack of anticipation. Similarly, the realization of Dallas’s deficiencies in talent and depth at the position may require an adjustment period for the team and its fans alike.
