This situation with Josh Jacobs has unexpectedly made things very uneasy over a critically important position in the Green Bay Packers offense. The front office is still looking to sort out the details after Jacobs was arrested on five charges, but if league discipline or a long-term absence occurs, then it is possible that Green Bay will start looking at veteran running back options.
There are three veteran options on the table, with each having its own specific strength and skill set, but each of them would seem logical if the Packers absolutely needed another solid body in the backfield.
Najee Harris could be a seamless transition
There is a strong argument to be made for Najee Harris, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers and suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 3. Despite criticism over the years, Harris has become one of the NFL’s most durable backs, posting multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons while spending much of his early career running behind some brutal offensive line play with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Critics love pointing to the yards per carry numbers, but Pittsburgh’s issues at center and across the offensive line certainly did not help. If the Packers want to maintain the same physical rushing identity they built around Jacobs, Harris could slide into that role pretty naturally.
It is time for Kareem Hunt to shine
Then there is Kareem Hunt, who quietly could emerge as one of the more inexpensive veteran options available. Hunt has not had that massive breakout season in several years, but this upcoming season feels a bit like a make-or-break year for him as a lead back. Even at 30 years old, his numbers are consistent. Hunt still rushed for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 while showing he can contribute as both a runner and receiver.
While some of the explosiveness from his days with the Kansas City Chiefs has faded, Hunt still runs with toughness and patience between the tackles. For Green Bay, he could represent a lower-cost veteran option capable of helping stabilize the offense without requiring a massive financial commitment.
Did a landing spot just open up for Alvin Kamara?
Alvin Kamara may be looking for a new opportunity as the New Orleans Saints recently signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. this offseason from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and there has already been speculation that New Orleans could eventually move on from Kamara as the team reshapes its backfield.
While Kamara is now north of 30 years old, there is still plenty suggesting he can operate at a starting caliber level. He has consistently hovered in that 800-900 yards rushing per season range throughout his career and remains one of the league’s better receiving backs. Etienne, taking on a larger workload, could actually help preserve Kamara physically moving forward.
What separates Kamara from Harris and Hunt is the versatility he would give Matt LaFleur. He is the type of explosive offensive weapon capable of creating problems for defenses both as a runner and receiver. All of this is predicated upon whether New Orleans decides to part ways with Kamara.
The hope is that Josh Jacobs can return to play soon
Presently, Green Bay is probably hoping this entire situation cools off, and Jacobs returns to business as usual. NFL teams chasing championships, however, rarely enjoy sitting around hoping problems solve themselves. If the Packers begin preparing for the possibility of losing Jacobs for an extended period, Hunt, Harris, and Kamara could become three names worth watching very closely over the coming months.
