The Green Bay Packers only had six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. So, Matt LaFleur and company didn’t have the opportunity to address a lot of positions this year, especially with the team selecting a kicker with one of its picks.
Running back was one of the positions the Packers didn’t address. But Bleacher Report’s Zach Bachar sees the Packers still having an opportunity to add a running back in NFL free agency.
After the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, Bachar named Green Bay a potential landing spot for veteran running back Austin Ekeler.
“Josh Jacobs sits squarely atop Green Bay’s running back depth chart, but the possible addition of Ekeler could help reduce Jacobs’ workload considering he’s averaged 17.9 rush attempts per game over the past four seasons combined,” wrote Bachar.
“Ekeler may also establish himself as a target for Jordan Love in the Packers’ passing attack, as he surpassed 400 receiving yards in six of his eight seasons prior to last year.”
Ekeler played just two games last season because of injury. Ironically, he sustained a season-ending right Achilles injury at Lambeau Field during Week 2 last year.
But if he can return healthy, Ekeler could be a viable playmaker in the Packers backfield to complement Josh Jacobs.
Ekeler has led the NFL in total touchdowns twice — 2021 and 2022. The 2023 campaign was his most recent 1,000-yard from scrimmage season.
In nine NFL campaigns, Ekeler has registered more than 9,000 yards from scrimmage. He has rushed for 4,765 yards in 117 games.
Should Packers Add RB Austin Ekeler to Matt LaFleur’s Offense?
Green Bay lost RB2 Emanuel Wilson to NFL free agency this offseason. With that loss, the Packers don’t have much proven depth behind Jacobs.
The good news is Jacobs has been very durable in his two Packers seasons. In 2024, Jacobs made the Pro Bowl while playing in all 17 games. He dressed for 15 contests last season.
Still, the Packers might be wise to add some more proven insurance at running back behind Jacobs. As of April 27, Green Bay has Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr. and Damien Martinez also at running back on their roster.
Ekeler has only played in 14 games the past two seasons combined because of injuries. In his nine-year NFL career, he has played a full season just three times.
But if the Packers could bring in Ekeler on an affordable, short-term deal, he would be worth the risk. At his best, Ekeler is a lethal dual-threat as a running back and pass-catcher out of the backfield.
In Green Bay next season, he could be a solid RB2 behind Jacobs.
Packers RB Depth After 2026 NFL Draft
Green Bay didn’t add a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft. But the team signed UCF running back Jaden Nixon as an undrafted free agent.
That will give the Packers another young option. But a team with Super Bowl aspirations would ideally have a more proven backup for such an important offensive weapon such as Jacobs.
Running backs are obviously one of the most injury-prone positions in football too.
The best plan for Green Bay might be to see what the team’s unproven running backs can do through offseason workouts. That will give LaFleur a better idea of the pecking order in the backfield.
Then in June, the Packers could target Ekeler in NFL free agency, giving the team the more proven running back depth it needs.
Packers Encouraged to Target Versatile Playmaker Following NFL Draft Miss