Green Bay Packers Urged To Sign Former 1,000-Yard Rusher To Compete With MarShawn Lloyd
The Green Bay Packers addressed several key needs during the 2026 NFL Draft. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst left the three-day event without selecting a single running back. While starting workhorse Josh Jacobs securely holds the top spot on the depth chart, the roster desperately lacks proven experience behind him.
With the draft now in the rearview mirror, the front office must look to the free-agent market to shore up the backfield. Bill Huber from SI on Packers recently highlighted an intriguing veteran who could push the team over the top: Antonio Gibson.
A Proven Dual-Threat Weapon
When evaluating running backs, the Packers value versatility. Antonio Gibson fits that mold perfectly. Standing at 6-foot and weighing 228 pounds, he brings a physical, punishing style to the ground game.
He proved his capability as a lead back during a breakout 2021 campaign, rushing for 1,027 yards and posting a career-best 1,331 yards from scrimmage. Over his first five seasons in the league, he regularly eclipsed the 500-yard rushing mark, proving he can handle a steady workload.
“Antonio Gibson, who will turn 28 in June, is coming off a torn ACL sustained in early October, which should put him on a trajectory to be ready for training camp. By the time he is healthy, Gutekunst should have a better feel for his backfield.”
However, Antonio Gibson’s actual value extends far beyond taking handoffs. He is a natural receiver out of the backfield. During his career, he has hauled in nearly 200 passes for nearly 1,500 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. Having a back who can seamlessly transition into a passing-down role forces opposing defenses into tough situations.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards
Signing Gibson does come with a notable red flag. He suffered a torn ACL last October while playing for the New England Patriots. Additionally, he turns 28 this June. Historically, teams hesitate to hand out large contracts to aging running backs recovering from major knee surgeries.
Yet, this specific situation plays right into Green Bay’s hands. Because of the injury and his age, Gibson will likely command a highly affordable, low-risk contract.
Huber notes that Gibson’s recovery timeline should make him ready for training camp. If the Packers sign him to a team-friendly deal, the potential reward far outweighs the financial risk. If he struggles to bounce back, the team can easily pivot. If he regains his previous form, Green Bay suddenly boasts one of the most dynamic backfields in the NFC.
Securing Insurance for Josh Jacobs
The urgency to add a veteran like Gibson stems from the current state of the Packers’ running back room. The team lost reliable backup Emanuel Wilson to free agency earlier this offseason. Wilson handled a significant number of touches whenever Jacobs needed a breather or dealt with injuries.
Without Wilson, the coaching staff must rely on an unproven group of reserves. Players like Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd all possess talent, but none have demonstrated they can carry a heavy offensive burden in the NFL.
Complement To Jacobs
Josh Jacobs has been incredibly durable, missing only two regular-season games over the past two years. However, football is unpredictable. The Packers are just one awkward tackle away from handing their rushing attack over to complete wildcards.
By bringing Antonio Gibson into the fold, Green Bay gains immediate peace of mind. The front office can evaluate the younger backs during offseason workouts, but adding Gibson ensures the team has a proven playmaker ready to step up when the regular season begins.
