Why the Green Bay Packers should sign Austin Ekeler before the 2026 NFL season

The Green Bay Packers will take the field for training camp in under four weeks, and a ton of eyes will be on the running back group.

Josh Jacobs is set to return as the starting running back in 2026, but with Emanuel Wilson departing in free agency, there are some questions about the depth of the position room.

Green Bay is banking on MarShawn Lloyd finally staying healthy and establishing himself as the clear-cut RB2 behind Jacobs. However, that is a risky gamble for Green Bay, which is why general manager Brian Gutekunst should look to add a veteran running back sooner rather than later.

Packers should sign Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler would be the perfect late offseason signing for the Packers.

Ekeler played in just two games in 2025 due to a torn Achilles, which effectively ended his time with the Washington Commanders. The 31-year-old has yet to find a new home, and with training camp on the horizon, Green Bay should think about taking a flier on the 76-game starting running back.

Though Ekeler has never been a high-level rusher, he's always been a viable receiving threat. The Western Colorado product even tallied 107 catches during the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Obviously, Ekeler is past his prime, but the 5-foot-10 playmaker would be a nice insurance policy for Green Bay. Pairing Jacobs' physical rushing style with Ekeler's receiving ability would give the Packers a versatile and experienced running back duo.

Ekeler is a gritty player who still has some juice left in the tank. As recently as 2024, he was a second-team All-Pro selection for his work on special teams as a returner.

Overall, Ekeler will be incredibly cheap to sign and could provide some value as a veteran piece on Matt LaFleur's offense. There's no reason why Green Bay shouldn't make this low-risk, high-reward signing.