Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs will remain a key part of the club’s plans in 2026. However, the same can’t necessarily be said for his understudy, Emanuel Wilson.
The Packers chose not to place a tender on Wilson, making him an unrestricted free agent on March 11. There’s still a chance he winds up back in Green Bay, though his uncertain future potentially creates a meaningful void behind Jacobs.
Enter veteran journeyman Jeremy McNichols, a former Boise State standout who has spent the past two campaigns with the Washington Commanders. He was almost exclusively a special teamer early in his NFL career, but has blossomed into a well-rounded contributor. The 30-year-old is set to hit the open market this offseason, and the Packers should strongly consider adding him if they’re moving on from Wilson.
Packers replacing RB Emanuel Wilson with Jeremy McNichols in free agency may be a risk worth taking
Going up in age at a position with an “expiration date” that McNichols has already surpassed may leave Packers fans with more questions than answers. Yet, his upward trajectory and ability to wear multiple hats make the idea of signing him to replace Wilson worthwhile for the Packers.
As we saw in Washington, McNichols is a versatile plug-and-play option. Not only was he an efficient runner, albeit on limited volume, but his presence was felt in pass protection and the air game.
Green Bay can ill afford to lose Wilson without bringing in reinforcements. 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd hasn’t proven physically capable of handling the pros. McNichols would give them a steady option.
McNichols was one of just 13 tailbacks with at least 40 carries who averaged at least five yards per attempt in 2025 among 73 qualifying options. He was seventh in missed tackles forced on a per-tote basis (0.25) and 13th in explosive run rate (6.8 percent). Meanwhile, that doesn’t even include his efforts as a third-down weapon.
Washington trusted McNichols as a blocker and a target out of the backfield this season. He posted 25 receptions — his most since 2021 — for 196 scoreless yards. Meanwhile, the Packers haven’t shown a willingness to deploy Wilson as a pass-catcher, considering that stat line is on par with his career receiving output.
