The Green Bay Packers have a tough decision looming as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Ian Hartitz of FantasyLife reported that Jacobs could become a cap casualty in Green Bay, especially if the front office decides to free up cap space.
The Packers are currently in the red when it comes to available cap space, and letting Jacobs go would instantly clear $11.4 million in cap space. If Jacobs is released after June 1, Green Bay’s dead cap hit would be a manageable $3.125 million.
At 28 years old, Jacobs remains one of the few true bell-cow backs capable of transforming a team’s offensive identity overnight. In two seasons with Green Bay, he racked up 2,882 yards with 30 touchdowns in 32 games. However, he’s averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry only twice in his NFL career (2019 and 2022).
If Jacobs does hit free agency, there will be several suitors interested in his services, including a few legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Here are five likely landing spots for Jacobs if he’s released by Green Bay.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Cap Space: -$54,910,166
Despite currently being in the red, the Chiefs are the ultimate destination for any veteran seeking a ring. With Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt both hitting free agency, GM Brett Veach is staring at a big void in the backfield.
The Chiefs would need to restructure current deals or make some moves to make the math work, but adding a player of Jacobs’ pedigree to an offense led by Patrick Mahomes would instantly elevate it.
Jacobs provides elite pass-blocking and short-yardage stability that was missing during their 2025 campaign.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Cap Space: $44,943,582
Pittsburgh is entering the offseason with nearly $45 million in cap space, and the Steelers aren’t shy about employing a two-back system.
With Kenneth Gainwell testing the free agent market, the Steelers are searching for a physical, downhill runner who can complement Jaylen Warren. Jacobs would be a strong scheme fit for Mike McCarthy’s West Coast offense and would help take the load off veteran QB Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers could structure a deal that maximizes his impact between the tackles without committing him to a full three-down workload.
3. Tennessee Titans
Cap Space: $104,769,062
No team has more cap space than the Tennessee Titans. With over $100 million in available cap space, the Titans are the only team on this list that might be willing to sign Jacobs to a blockbuster deal.
Under Robert Saleh, the Titans are in the midst of a massive identity shift. With Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley also on the list of potential cap casualties, Tennessee has the resources to completely rebuild its offense around Ward this offseason.
Adding Jacobs would instantly take the pressure off of Ward and allow Tennessee to return to the dominant ground game that defined the franchise for the last decade.
4. San Francisco 49ers
Cap Space: $41,875,176
The 49ers are the wild card of this group. Kyle Shanahan already tried to pair Christian McCaffrey with a tough, inside runner in Brian Robinson Jr. last season.
The 49ers’ run game stalled last season, and while Christian McCaffrey rushed for 1,202 yards, he carried the ball a career-high 311 times and averaged only 3.9 yards per carry. That kind of workload is far from ideal for a running back who will turn 30 years old this summer.
In San Francisco, Jacobs can act as the perfect high-end insurance policy or a way to form one of the best one-two punches in the league. In this system, Jacobs’ efficiency would get a boost, and he’d be relieved of his pass-catching duties, which makes this a perfect fit if he wants to extend his career.
5. New England Patriots
Cap Space: $41,013,596
Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots have the cap health to remain aggressive, especially if they cut Stefon Diggs.
While they already have Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyeon Henderson, Jacobs would be an instant upgrade between the tackles and a valuable resource late in the season once the cold weather hits Foxborough.
While this fit seems unlikely, Jacobs offers the blue-collar versatility that has been the hallmark of New England’s most successful rosters.
