Last offseason, the Green Bay Packers went through a major change at the top of their running back room. First, they signed one of the best free agents on the market in Josh Jacobs. Second, they released Aaron Jones, the third all-time leading rusher in franchise history.
After those two surprising moves, Green Bay elected to bring AJ Dillon back on a very team-friendly one-year contract and selected Marshawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Both were non-factors for the Packers in 2024. Dillon was placed on season-ending injured reserve before the year even started, and Lloyd spent most of his time on the injured list, appearing in just one game.
Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks Backed up Josh Jacobs for the Green Bay Packers
The two most notable moves worked out for all parties involved. Jacobs had a Pro Bowl season for the Packers, rushing 301 times for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jones, meanwhile had 255 carries for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings.
With Dillon and Lloyd shelved, the job of backing up Jacobs fell to second-year undrafted free agents Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks.
Both played well in 2024, with Wilson rushing 103 times for 502 yards and four touchdowns as the primary backup, and Brooks rushing 36 times for 183 yards and a touchdown.
As Green Bay prepares for the 2025 season, one NFL analysts believes it would be beneficial to them, and specifically Jordan Love, for them to bring Wilson back.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love Would Benefit from Having Emanuel Wilson Back
According to Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, bringing back Wilson after a solid season as their second running back would be one of the best moves the Packers could make that would benefit their starting quarterback:
“Green Bay may expect rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd to take a second-year leap, but he only played in one game this past season because of injuries. Lloyd’s inexperience may cause him to have a slow start in 2025.
“At 5’10”, 226 pounds, Emanuel Wilson could be a finisher in the red zone, especially with AJ Dillon set to become a free agent in March. If not Jacobs, Wilson can lead the Packers to the end zone for six, taking pressure off Love in the red zone.”
While Lloyd was a premium top-100 draft pick, the Packers do not yet know if he will be able to stay healthy for a full season. Wilson, who went undrafted in 2023, made the 53-man roster after leading the NFL in preseason rushing yards as a rookie, and then again last year as the backup running back.
While the immediate future of Dillon is a major uncertainty in Green Bay, Wilson has more than earned at least a third opportunity to make his case for the 53-man roster, and for some significant playing time behind Jacobs.
