Tide rolls into Green Bay Packers reel in RB Josh Jacobs S Xavier McKinney

Former Alabama teammates Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney reunite with Green Bay Packers, signing lucrative contracts. Aaron Jones released. Viral reunion!

Former Alabama teammates Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney are reuniting with the Green Bay Packers, creating a buzz in the football world. Reports confirm that the Packers have signed contracts with Jacobs, a versatile running back who topped the NFL rushing charts in 2022, and McKinney, a dynamic safety with a lucrative four-year deal that could reach $68 million, as reported by ESPN.

The addition of Jacobs prompted Packers' general manager Brian Gutekunst to inform running back Aaron Jones of his release, with Jones' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirming the news. Green Bay had owed Jones $12 million for the 2024 season. Jacobs, 26, had a slightly less impressive season with the Las Vegas Raiders last year compared to his standout performance in 2022, where he rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games despite battling a quadriceps injury. The previous season, Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games. Over his five seasons with the Raiders, he amassed 5,545 yards and 46 touchdowns in 73 games as a first-round draft pick in 2019 from Alabama.

Both Jacobs and McKinney were part of the 2017 national championship-winning Alabama team. McKinney, 24, was drafted in the second round by the New York Giants in 2020 and played every defensive snap in the entire 2023 season, showcasing his durability and playmaking abilities with nine career interceptions.

On the other hand, Jones, 29, had a challenging season in 2023 due to injuries, playing a career-low 11 games and rushing for 656 yards with two touchdowns on 142 carries. The Raiders opted not to place the franchise tag on Jacobs last month, signaling a shift in their rushing strategy for the upcoming season. Zamir White is expected to take over as the lead rusher for Las Vegas after gaining 451 yards and one touchdown in 17 games last season, filling in admirably during Jacobs' absence.

With Jones now joining Packers' running back AJ Dillon in free agency, Green Bay has added a seasoned player with a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. Jones accumulated 5,940 rushing yards, 45 touchdowns on 1,177 carries, and contributed 272 receptions for 2,076 yards and 18 touchdowns during his time with the Packers.

The dynamic duo of Jacobs and McKinney brings a mix of talent and experience to the Packers, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. The reshuffling of the running back position adds depth and versatility to the team, creating a buzz among fans and analysts alike. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Green Bay Packers' offseason moves signal a commitment to success and a strategic vision for the future.