The Green Bay Packers made a surprising move this offseason by signing former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million contract to take over for Aaron Jones, who left to sign with the rival Minnesota Vikings.
Despite that contract, one analyst believes there is a rookie running back on this roster who will see plenty of opportunities and could force Jacobs off his spot sooner rather than later.
Joe Dolan of Fantasy Feast said that third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd will see a lot of opportunities at some point this season and noted “that four-year deal for Josh Jacobs is really more like a one-year deal” (via Ross Tucker Podcast).
“That four year deal for Josh Jacobs is really more like a one year deal…”@FG_Dolan sees opportunities for Packers rookie RB Marshawn Lloyd down the road: pic.twitter.com/BHGiZvUGee
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 25, 2024
He is right in his assessment of Jacobs’ contract, as he carries only a $5 million cap hit this season and the Packers have an out after the year where they can cut him with just $9.375 million in dead cap.
Lloyd transferred to USC last season after two years at South Carolina and handled 116 carries for 820 yards and nine touchdowns while turning 13 receptions into 232 yards.
He hasn’t proven that he can handle a heavy workload, but Lloyd is explosive and could be an ideal complement to Jacobs out of the gate.
This is the type of weapon that quarterback Jordan Love did not have at his disposal last year as Jones and AJ Dillon did not have nearly the explosiveness that Lloyd possesses.
At 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds, Lloyd has the build of someone who could be more of an every-down runner, but he hasn’t proven to have the durability, vision, or running style to do so.
This is an interesting backfield situation to monitor.
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