Packers-Steelers Trade: Could Josh Jacobs Get His Wish In Green Bay?

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Josh Jacobs' Current Situation and Desires

Josh Jacobs' situation with the Las Vegas Raiders is complex. After a phenomenal 2022 season where he led the league in rushing yards, Jacobs found himself in a contract standoff with the team. His contract expired, leaving him a highly sought-after free agent in a competitive running back market. While Jacobs hasn't explicitly stated a preference for Green Bay, the allure of a contending team with a strong offensive line could certainly be attractive.

• Jacobs' stellar 2022 performance: He showcased his exceptional versatility as a runner and receiver, proving he's a three-down back capable of handling a significant workload.
• Contract uncertainty and free agency: His future remains uncertain, fueling speculation regarding potential landing spots. The Packers could offer a lucrative contract and a clear path to significant playing time.
• Public statements (or lack thereof): While Jacobs hasn't publicly voiced a desire for a specific team, his agent's negotiations and reported interactions indirectly reveal his priorities.
• Skillset analysis: Jacobs' powerful running style, combined with his receiving abilities, would significantly upgrade many NFL teams' backfields. The Packers' offensive system could perfectly utilize his skill set.

The Packers' Need for a Running Back

The Green Bay Packers' running back situation presents both strengths and weaknesses. Aaron Jones remains a potent offensive weapon, but his age and contract status warrant consideration. AJ Dillon provides a solid complement, but adding a player of Jacobs' caliber would elevate the Packers' rushing attack to another level.

• Current Packers' running backs' performance: While Jones and Dillon have performed admirably, the team could use a more consistent, high-volume rusher.
• Age and contract considerations: Both Jones and Dillon are on the older side for running backs, creating a need for a younger, long-term solution.
• Offensive strategy: A powerful running game is crucial for the Packers' success, and Jacobs' addition would allow for a more balanced and unpredictable offense.
• Available cap space and draft picks: The Packers have demonstrated a willingness to spend in free agency and make trades to bolster their roster, suggesting they could afford Jacobs' contract.

The Steelers' Potential Assets and Motivations

The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, boast Najee Harris as their lead running back. However, a potential trade involving Harris isn't entirely out of the question. If the Steelers are looking to bolster another area of their team through a trade, they may be open to moving Harris. They could potentially offer other assets such as draft picks to sweeten a potential deal with Green Bay.

• Steelers' running back depth chart: While Harris is the starter, the team’s depth chart behind him could allow them to part with a player without significantly impacting their backfield.
• Potential trade assets: The Steelers could offer a combination of draft picks, potentially including a later-round pick in the upcoming draft, to facilitate a trade.
• Steelers' cap space and needs: Depending on their offseason moves, the Steelers may have cap space available and may be looking to acquire players at different positions.
• Motivation for trading assets: The Steelers' desire to upgrade other positions or acquire younger talent could motivate them to trade away established players.

Trade Scenarios and Feasibility

Several trade scenarios are conceivable. The Packers could offer a mid-round draft pick and a young player in exchange for Jacobs. The Steelers’ willingness to part with Jacobs would depend on their assessment of their running back situation and their desire for additional draft capital. The feasibility of such a trade would hinge on the perceived value of Jacobs relative to the assets Green Bay is willing to offer. A trade before the NFL trade deadline could be more likely than during the early offseason.

Conclusion

The prospect of a Josh Jacobs trade to the Green Bay Packers remains speculative. However, the potential benefits for the Packers are significant. The team's need for a consistent, high-volume running back, combined with Jacobs' exceptional talent, makes this a compelling scenario. While the Steelers' motivations and willingness to engage in such a trade are uncertain, the possibility remains intriguing. Keep checking back for updates on this exciting potential Josh Jacobs trade and other NFL news as the offseason progresses!