In order to improve their backfield, the Green Bay Packers made a big offseason acquisition when they signed Josh Jacobs, a former running back for the Las Vegas Raiders. Before the season ends, though, Jacobs might have to compete with youngster MarShawn Lloyd for the starting position. Before the season is up, Lloyd—a third-round selection out of USC—will take over as Green Bay’s feature back, according to ESPN statistics analyst Seth Walder’s audacious prediction.
“MarShawn Lloyd will take over the No. 1 running back role by the end of the season,” Walder wrote. Josh Jacobs, a free agent signee, exceeded expectations in 2022 with his effectiveness, but according to NFL Next Gen Stats, he had negative rush yards in 2020, 2021, and 2023. He had a minus-86 RYOE total the previous season. I’m ready to wager that the Packers will favour Lloyd as they’re featured back by December and that 2022 was Jacobs’ anomaly.”
Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers this offseason, replacing long-time Green Bay back Aaron Jones. His deal has just $12.5 million of guaranteed money, which came in the form of a signing bonus, and the Packers have a potential out in Year 2. If Jacobs disappoints or Lloyd emerges as a true No. 1 back, it wouldn’t be too painful for the Packers to cut ties with the former rushing leader.
But the goal is for Jacobs to resemble the back that led the NFL in running in 2022. In the All-Pro campaign, he gained 1,653 yards on 340 carries and scored 12 touchdowns. There’s good cause to be enthusiastic about Lloyd. With an astounding 7.1 yards per carry last season at USC, he amassed 820 yards and nine touchdowns. On Friday, the Packers take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the first game of the regular season.
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