The Green Bay Packers were hit with bad news on Tuesday when running back Josh Jacobs was arrested on domestic abuse charges by the Hobart-Lawrence (Wisconsin) Police Department. Now the NFC franchise is without its top rusher for the upcoming 2026 season.
Now the Packers will have to rush late in the free agency market to see if they’re able to get an RB1 replacement for 2026. Here’s a list of the available options in the open market at this point in the offseason.
Top NFL Running Back Free Agents Still Available in the Market
| Player Name | Best Attributes | 2025 Team | Status / Market Value |
| Nick Chubb | Power | Houston Texans | The Texans signed him to a $2.5 million one-year deal last season. |
| Raheem Mostert | Elite speed, change-of-pace | Las Vegas Raiders | The Raiders signed Mostert to a $1.5 million deal for the 2025 season. |
| Najee Harris | Workhorse size, physical runner | L.A. Chargers | Also had a one-year deal in the 2025 season, worth some $5.25 million |
| Austin Ekeler | Pass-catching, red-zone threat | Washington Commanders | Ekeler just finished a two-year deal with the Commanders worth $8.4 million. The 2025 fraction of the deal was worth some $4.96 million |
| Joe Mixon | Third down production, experienced player | Houston Texans | Mixon is finishing a three-year deal with Houston, which was worth some $25 million. His average annual payout was $8.5 million. |
Josh Jacobs denies allegations of domestic abuse
According to some reports, local police arrived at Josh Jacobs’ residence on May 23rd due to a complaint of domestic violence. Some reports put the arrest on that date, while others point to May 26th.
What is certain is that the 28-year-old has been booked on charges of battery (domestic abuse, criminal damage to property), domestic abuse, disorderly conduct (domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation), and intimidation of a victim.
Nothing is known of the identity of the victims in public reports as of yet. However, Josh Jacobs has denied the allegations, releasing the following statement via his attorneys:
“Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public. We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course,” attorneys David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld, and Clarence Duchac said in a statement.
The Green Bay Packers acknowledged they are aware of the situation, but they refused to comment further:
“As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment,” the team said in a statement.
Hobart-Lawrence (Wisconsin) Police Department also refused to comment further on what they called ‘An ongoing investigation’. Green Bay began OTAs on Tuesday, and coach Matt LaFleur will talk with the media on Wednesday.
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