In a blockbuster move that shocked the NFL world, running back Josh Jacobs is gearing up to don the green and gold of the Green Bay Packers in his highly anticipated debut next Friday in Brazil. However, what many may not know is that Jacobs came close to signing with a different team before ultimately choosing to join the Packers.
In an exclusive interview with Dan Pompei of TheAthletic.com, Jacobs opened up about his free agency process and the deciding factors that led him to sign with Green Bay. The star running back revealed that although he initially had reservations about leaving his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders, the front office’s lack of commitment to offering him a competitive deal ultimately sealed his decision to explore other options.
“I really didn’t want to up and move,” Jacobs admitted. “But the Raiders made it clear that they were not going to offer me the same kind of deal that others were willing to put on the table. It was a tough decision, but I knew I had to do what was best for my career.”
As a highly sought-after free agent, Jacobs received interest from seven other teams besides the Packers, with the Kansas City Chiefs emerging as a serious contender. Despite the allure of joining a division rival and potential Super Bowl contender in Kansas City, Jacobs maintained a steadfast stance against playing for a team he has long considered an adversary on the field.
“They were trying to get me hard,” Jacobs recalled of the Chiefs’ pursuit. “But there was no way I was going there. I feel like once you are rivals with somebody, you have a genuine hate for them. I couldn’t see myself in that color. And besides, I never wanted to be the guy that joined the dominant team. I want to be the guy that beats the dominant team.”
Ultimately, the Chiefs failed to secure Jacobs’ services, leaving the running back to set his sights on Green Bay as his new football home. With a fresh start on the horizon, Jacobs is eager to make his mark with the Packers and chase the team success that eluded him during his tenure with the Raiders.
While the football world eagerly awaits Jacobs’ debut in a Packers uniform, one thing is certain: the upcoming season is bound to be filled with excitement and anticipation as Jacobs takes on a new chapter in his storied career. Get ready, football fans, because Josh Jacobs is ready to make a splash in Green Bay.
