The Green Bay Packers entered the offseason already considering additions to their running back room for added veteran depth. That need has now become urgent following troubling off-field developments involving Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs.
Jacobs was booked into the Brown County Jail on five charges: battery/domestic abuse, criminal damage to property/domestic abuse, disorderly conduct/domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Jacobs turned himself in to the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department in Wisconsin.
Through his attorney, Jacobs has vehemently denied the allegations. “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,” the statement read. “We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course.”
While the legal situation remains the primary focus, the football implications for the Packers are significant. Green Bay lacks substantial running back experience behind Jacobs on the current depth chart, creating a potential crisis if he misses any portion of the 2026 season.
James Conner Emerges as Top Trade Candidate
USA Today’s Nick Brinkerhoff quickly highlighted a strong potential solution: Arizona Cardinals veteran running back James Conner. Brinkerhoff named Conner as the top option among five possible running back targets for Green Bay, especially if Jacobs faces extended time away from the team.
Conner is in the final year of his contract with a manageable $4.83 million cap hit for 2026, which would present few obstacles to a potential trade. The 31-year-old is coming off a foot injury that limited him to just three games in 2025, but his track record when healthy remains impressive.
“He is the best option potentially available to Green Bay if they need running back help,” Brinkerhoff wrote.
A Conner-to-Packers trade would also carry an intriguing personal connection. Arizona’s new head coach is Mike LaFleur — brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Family ties could potentially facilitate smoother discussions between the two organizations.
Conner’s Proven Track Record
Despite playing for inconsistent Cardinals teams in recent years, James Conner has delivered consistent production. He first earned Pro Bowl honors with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, posting 1,470 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns. In 2021, he set a career high with 18 touchdowns and earned his second Pro Bowl selection while with Arizona.
Conner reached the 1,000-yard rushing milestone for the first time in his seventh NFL season in 2023 and followed it up with a career-best 1,094 rushing yards in 2024. His ability to contribute both as a rusher and receiver, combined with his experience, makes him an appealing insurance policy for Green Bay.
Cardinals’ Depth Makes Trade Plausible
From Arizona’s perspective, the numbers in the backfield have shifted. The Cardinals added Tyler Allgeier in free agency and selected Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the recent draft under Mike LaFleur’s leadership. Conner could become the odd man out in a crowded room, though the Cardinals have not signaled any intent to actively shop him.
Still, the Packers would be wise to make an inquiry if their running back situation becomes critical by August. A move for Conner would provide immediate veteran stability to a backfield that could otherwise face significant uncertainty.
As the Packers navigate both the on-field roster challenges and the serious off-field issues surrounding Jacobs, James Conner represents a reliable, battle-tested option who has twice reached Pro Bowl level and delivered a 1,094-yard season. For a Green Bay team with Super Bowl aspirations, adding that kind of proven production could prove to be a crucial stabilizing force in what has become an unexpectedly turbulent offseason.
