Jacobs believes Packers 1 step away from contending: 'We were right there'

Star running back Josh Jacobs believes the Green Bay Packers are just one step away from being a top-tier contender in the NFC.

The Packers were eliminated after a 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, but they won 11 games in 2024. Further, six of their seven defeats were to the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Eagles.

"All those games, we were right there," Jacobs said postgame, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "My biggest message this offseason, from the coaches to the players, is how do we take that step? We figure out how to take that step, ain't nobody gonna be able to f--- with us in this league."

Jacobs is confident that one way to bridge the gap between Green Bay and the NFC's top teams is to recruit more talent.

"Our locker room is gonna be different. We got some guys due for a contract this year," he said, per team reporter Wes Hodkiewicz. "We don't know what that's gonna look like, how that's gonna shake up. But I know I'm gonna try to get some guys here."

Jacobs himself is a recent Green Bay addition after he joined the Packers as a free agent last offseason. He rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns and set multiple franchise records on his way to being named a Pro Bowler this season.

The tailback was one of Green Bay's few bright spots versus Philadelphia. Jacobs rushed for 81 yards on 18 carries, including a 32-yard burst that set up a Packers touchdown. He also caught three passes for 40 yards.

Although Jacobs is hoping to bring some new weapons to Green Bay, the Packers might want to retain some old ones, too. Both Josh Myers and Isaiah McDuffie are expected to hit free agency this offseason.