The NFL’s running back carousel is fully in motion, including former rushing champ Josh Jacobs. The former Las Vegas Raider will take his talents to Green Bay after signing for 4 years and $48 million. For those in dynasty and keeper leagues, it is worth noting that this contract is essentially a one-year deal. There is only one year of guaranteed money with team options in the final three years of the deal.
Jacobs is part of an RB free agent class that has seen moves from Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, Derrick Henry, Aaron Jones, and more.
This level of movement for running backs in the free agent market is unprecedented. Each move will be picked apart throughout the offseason to determine the fantasy impact. However, initial “gut” reactions can still be valuable. It’s also never too early to evaluate the impact of a player like Jacobs.
JOSH JACOBS’ PREMIUM LANDING SPOT WITH PACKERS
To put it in simple terms, this is a premium landing spot for Josh Jacobs.
First, we have the fact that Jacobs enters a running back room with little competition. Aaron Jones was cut following the Jacobs signing and reports indicate that AJ Dillon won’t be resigned in free agency.
While only 26 years old, Jacobs is a veteran by running back standards. The Packers will almost certainly bring in another ball carrier to take on some carries. Jacobs should be viewed as a top-tier fantasy running back if the team’s RB2 is an average to below-average running back.
Jacobs did not live up to standards in 2023, but will he bounce back in 2024? The answer is yes, with the opportunity to join a blossoming young offense in Green Bay. Down the stretch last season, Jordan Love proved he can run a high-level NFL offense. In the final six games of 2023, the Packers scored 24+ points five times and 34+ in three games. Aaron Jones cracked 110+ all-purpose yards in five games in this same six-game stretch.
Love proved capable of commanding a potent offense in just his first season as a starter. The Packers’ receiving room also featured a mix of rookies and second-year players. With so much youth and room for growth, many expect this Green Bay offense to take steps forward in 2024. I believe this step forward will be taken to the benefit of Josh Jacobs.
Although Jacobs won’t see the 90+ percent rush share he was accustomed to in Vegas, he will be the featured back in a surging offensive unit. Barring a significant addition at RB, Jacobs will be leaned on to carry the rushing workload and should also see plenty of opportunities to find paydirt.
JOSH JACOBS’ 2024 FANTASY OUTLOOK
To be completely honest, Jacobs didn’t look great last year, and most of his metrics reflect this. However, Jacobs dealt with a poor offensive and overall team environment. The Raiders were simply a mess in the Josh McDaniels era.
The move from Las Vegas to Green Bay is certainly an improvement in the offensive environment. In a position driven by opportunity and touches, Jacobs appears to be in line for plenty of work in 2024.
When considering contract structure and the lack of depth in the Green Bay running back room, Jacobs could be in line for 300+ touches in 2024. Although he missed time with injury in 2023, Jacobs has proven capable of handling significant workloads. Jacobs will almost certainly be an RB1 in 2024 if he can stay on the field.
Prior to the move to Green Bay, Jacobs was drafted at the end of the 5th round in Underdog Fantasy Big Board drafts. This price will almost certainly rise, so now is the time to invest before the market gets too bullish on Green Bay’s newest toy.
This move to Green Bay has led to a jump up to RB9 in The Wolf’s Bestball and season-long rankings. Some may disagree with this ranking, but Jacobs will be drafted as an RB1 in August.
