After defeating the Dallas Cowboys and coming close to upsetting the San Francisco 49ers in the 2024 NFL playoffs, the Green Bay Packers demonstrated their potential to contend for a Super Bowl in the upcoming season. Emerging quarterback Jordan Love showcased his ability to perform under pressure in postseason games, complemented by the team’s acquisition of talented pass-catching weapons such as Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. However, the Packers opted to part ways with former Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones, who subsequently signed a one-year contract with their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.
WELL WELL WELL.
Wheels up time @BrettKollmann 🤝 pic.twitter.com/kuFkXbW6Uo
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) May 4, 2024
In Jones’ absence, Green Bay sought to bolster their running game by signing Josh Jacobs in free agency to a lucrative four-year, $48 million deal. Additionally, the team drafted USC running back MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Lloyd, whom the Packers view as possessing traits similar to those of Jones, is lauded for his rushing capabilities and adeptness as a pass catcher out of the backfield, according to insights shared by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler via Derek Brown.
Fowler remarked on the parallels between Lloyd and Jones, emphasizing their shared ability to contribute both as runners and receivers. With limited collegiate carries, Lloyd enters the NFL with comparable skills to Jones, offering versatility in Green Bay’s offensive schemes. While Jacobs is slated to assume the primary rushing duties, the Packers historically utilize multiple backs, suggesting that Lloyd is poised to see significant opportunities in his rookie campaign.