One of the smartest moves of the NFL’s free agency period came when the Packers were able to find a replacement for Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones in All-Pro Josh Jacobs. They signed the former Raider to a four-year deal worth $48 million. They replaced one multi-dimensional back with another.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur talked at the annual league meetings in Orlando this week about Jacobs being more than just a great runner. This is what he had to say about the former Crimson Tide star’s work as a pass-catcher (per Ryan Wood):

“There’s more out there for him out of the backfield. He’s put some really good choice routes on tape.”

Jacobs rushed for 1,000 yards three times in his five seasons with the Raiders. He totaled 5,545 rushing yards. In 2022, he led the league in rushing yards with 1,653. So yes, he is one of the best rushers in the sport. It’s why he went to a couple of Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro as a member of the Raiders.

People forget that he hasn’t had a season with less than 1,100 scrimmage yards. That means that he has been, very quietly, a really consistent pass-catcher. He has caught 144 passes over the last three seasons for 1,044 yards. When Davante Adams or Darren Waller couldn’t get open, Derek Carr or whoever was at quarterback for the Raiders would look to the former national champion for help.

Look for Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavch, and running backs coach Ben Sirmans to cook up some pass plays that could get Jacobs the ball in space. According to Pro Football Reference, Jacobs has forced 129 missed tackles in five seasons. That right there is why Jacobs needs to get the ball, and it doesn’t need to be on a hand-off. He should be a really good pass-catching replacement for Jones, who was a great receiving back.