The Green Bay Packers were not content with anything less than an elite running back room, which prompted the signing of veteran running back Josh Jacobs after it became clear there was no path forward to a deal with Aaron Jones.
The Packers are admittedly taking a slight calculated risk by signing Jacobs, as he is going to cost a lot and is coming off a down season. Jacobs has done his best to alleviate any concerns the fanbase may have had upon his arrival by talking nonstop about his obsession with winning alongside Jordan Love and his own personal legacy.
"I can honestly say that as I'm getting older and I'm playing longer, I have a real goal of legacy," Jacobs said on NFL Network's "The Insiders" show. "I think that's a big thing – wanting to play in important games, play in the playoffs, make a deep run and play in that game if we get there. That's big for me. I think that's the most important thing."
Josh Jacobs focused on winning, legacy with Green Bay Packers
Jacobs' 3.5 yards per carry last season is misleading. Jacobs averaged nearly a full yard per carry more (3.97 vs. 3.07) after Antonio Pierce came in as head coach. He still has tremendous power, a hard-charging style, and enough speed to reel off big plays.
Jacobs is a bit of a reclamation projected, as the Josh McDaniels effect neutered his offensive skillset. Matt LaFleur has a history of being a much more favorable coach for running backs, which assuredly played into his decision to swap Las Vegas for Green Bay.
Jacobs is still just 26 years old, so his best football may still be in the windshield instead of the rear-view mirror. Leaving Las Vegas might be exactly what he needs at this point in his career, as the Raiders are entering a possible rebuild while Green Bay tries to win now.
The Packers' history of running backs is as strong as any team out there, and Jacobs has his eyes set on following in the footsteps of names like Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor. Those are lofty goals, but production and winning are the right things for a back to focus on.
