It looks like there’s a crisis brewing with the Green Bay Packers. Star running back Josh Jacobs has been arrested on five charges, and there’s not much clarity on the situation yet.
With OTAs already underway and training camp just around the corner, the Packers may not have their starting running back for the most crucial stretch of the offseason. Even if he’s free, the NFL might suspend him for the start of the season, depending on the offense.
Considering that, and watching the current pool of potential additions, it’s crystal clear that the Packers should make a run at Najee Harris.
The Packers should sign Najee Harris
While never the most efficient running back, Harris has always been a true workhorse and a bruiser. He’s also used to fighting his way through contact, which is something he may have to do early and often behind the Packers’ subpar run-blocking offensive line.
Head coach Matt LaFleur runs a well-balanced offense, and if he still doesn’t trust Jordan Love to do all the heavy lifting, this team will need a proven veteran who’s used to logging double-digit carries every week.
The Packers could also pursue other options in the trade market, but signing Harris wouldn’t cost them any additional assets, and he looks fully healthy after missing most of his lone season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Otherwise, after losing Emanuel Wilson in free agency, the Packers might have to lean on the often-injured MarShawn Lloyd or lesser options like Chris Brooks and Pierre Strong Jr., which is far from ideal in the stacked NFC North.