Packers have intriguing market opportunity to improve offense as timing feels perfect to strike
The Patriots released Elijah Mitchell, and the former 49ers offensive weapon knows the system. With a need at backup running back, the Packers could easily bring him in.
The Green Bay Packers didn’t invest much in the offense throughout the draft — the only offensive pick came in the fifth round, with center Jager Burton. The sequence of decisions made sense, but the outcome will inevitably leave some holes on the offensive depth. One of them is running back, and a perfect market opportunity arose on Tuesday.
The New England Patriots released veteran running back Elijah Mitchell, and he can be an intriguing option to add to the room.
Why Elijah Mitchell makes sense for the Packers
Mitchell was a sixth-round pick back in 2021 and had a strong rookie season for the San Francisco 49ers, running for 963 yards and five touchdowns. He lost space when the 49ers traded for Christian McCaffrey, but was still an efficient backup for a few years.
His career started to regress in 2024, when a serious hamstring injury ended his season. Over the past two years, the running back spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, but without much success.
The most important thing here is that Elijah Mitchell knows the offensive system, so it would be a smooth transition. But he’s also an efficient runner — throughout his career, Mitchell has had 4.7 yards per carry and 3.47 yards after the catch per attempt. He doesn’t add much as a receiver, but his ability to elude defenses is real — if he’s healthy.
Packers’ running back situation
The Packers allowed Emanuel Wilson to walk in free agency this season. He would be a restricted free agent, but Green Bay didn’t tender him, so he became free to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.
Now, the room has starter Josh Jacobs, recently re-signed Chris Brooks, and MarShawn Lloyd, who’s barely played in the NFL due to multiple injuries.
The depth also has Damien Martinez and Pierre Strong Jr., who finished last season on the practice squad, and undrafted rookie Jaden Nixon.
At this point, the Packers have three kickers on the 90-man roster, and everyone knows rookie sixth-rounder Trey Smack will be the choice. So, it’s time to create a roster spot and sign a player who could really help the team when necessary.