You’ve probably heard the noise. Every time a big-name player hits free agency, the New York Giants are "linked" to them. It’s basically a tradition at this point. But when Josh Jacobs, the former NFL rushing champion, hit the market back in 2024, the rumors went into overdrive. People were convinced he was heading to MetLife. Some even claimed he turned down a massive bag of cash to avoid the New York taxes and the turf.
Honestly? Most of that was just noise.
The reality is that Josh Jacobs never signed with the New York Giants, and he never will—at least not on his current deal. He is firmly a Green Bay Packer. While there was a lot of chatter about the Giants offering him $4 million more than what Green Bay did, those reports were later walked back by the very insiders who broke them. Dan Pompei of The Athletic eventually clarified that the Giants didn't even make a formal offer.
Why Josh Jacobs isn't a Giant
Joe Schoen, the Giants' GM, made his stance pretty clear on Hard Knocks. He famously said, “You’re paying the guy [Daniel Jones] $40 million, it’s not to hand the ball off to a $12 million back.” That pretty much killed the Jacobs-to-NY dream before it started. Instead, the Giants went for a "bargain" approach, signing Devin Singletary and later drafting Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo.
Jacobs himself hasn't been shy about why he preferred the frozen tundra over the big city. He wanted a winner. He didn't want a rebuild. "I didn't want to go to a team where I felt like I was going to be in a rebuilding situation," Jacobs told reporters. He saw the Packers as a team that could get over the hump immediately.
He also reportedly hated the turf at MetLife Stadium. Can you blame him? NFL players have been voting that stadium as their least favorite place to play for years. Between the taxes, the media pressure, and the risk of a non-contact knee injury on that artificial grass, Jacobs decided Green Bay was the better vibe.
The current state of the Giants' backfield
So, if Jacobs isn't the jacobs giants running back everyone was searching for, who is?
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As we move into 2026, the Giants have actually found some interesting pieces. They aren't relying on a $12 million superstar anymore. Instead, it’s a committee.
- Cam Skattebo: He’s been a revelation. A fourth-round pick who runs like a bowling ball. He suffered a nasty ankle injury in late 2025 against the Eagles, but he’s currently in the middle of a heavy rehab stint. He’s the guy Giants fans are actually hyped about right now.
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.: A converted wide receiver who brings that explosive, pass-catching element they lost when Saquon Barkley left for Philly.
- Devin Singletary: The reliable vet who keeps the chains moving when the young guys are banged up.
It’s a different philosophy. The Giants are betting that three "good" backs are better than one "great" (and expensive) one.
Josh Jacobs' 2025 season in review
While the Giants were grinding through another tough year, Jacobs was actually living up to the hype in Green Bay. He finished the 2025 season with over 900 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
But it wasn't all perfect.
He struggled with a bone bruise and a thigh contusion late in the year. Ironically, those injuries started during a Week 11 game against the New York Giants. He missed the regular-season finale against the Vikings and looked a step slow in the Packers' recent wild-card loss to the Chicago Bears. Now, there is legit talk that Green Bay might move on from him in the 2026 offseason to save cap space.
What's next for the Giants' run game?
The Giants are currently in a weird spot. They are looking for a new head coach (again) and trying to figure out if Daniel Jones is ever going to be "the guy." Because of that uncertainty, the running game has to be the anchor.
If you're following the team, keep an eye on Skattebo's recovery. He told Sports Illustrated recently that he’s aiming for a training camp return. If he’s 100%, the Giants won't be looking for a Josh Jacobs-type veteran. They’ll have their home-grown star.
The "Josh Jacobs to the Giants" story is a classic example of how NFL free agency works: lots of smoke, very little fire, and a whole lot of "what ifs."
Key Takeaways for Giants Fans
- Check the rehab: Watch for updates on Cam Skattebo’s ankle. His "dorsiflexion" progress is the most important stat for the Giants' 2026 ground game.
- Don't buy the "Big Name" rumors: Joe Schoen has shown he’d rather draft and develop than pay $12M+ for a veteran RB.
- Watch the Packers' cap: If Green Bay does cut Jacobs this spring, don't expect the Giants to be first in line. They’ve already moved on.
Keep your expectations grounded in the current roster. The "jacobs giants running back" era never happened, but the Skattebo era is just getting started.
Next Steps for You:
Check the latest Giants injury report specifically for Cam Skattebo’s progress. If he isn’t ready for OTAs, the Giants might look at a low-cost veteran in the second wave of free agency this March. You should also watch the Green Bay transaction wire; if Jacobs is released, his market value will set the tone for what the Giants might pay a backup.