Packers receive worst-case scenario update on Josh Jacobs, and it explains why they had to make a trade
The NFL placed running back Josh Jacobs on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List, and he will be out indefinitely for Green Bay.
The Green Bay Packers received the worst possible update in regards to running back Josh Jacobs. Instead of a regular suspension, the NFL placed him on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List.
That means the Pro Bowl running back won’t be allowed to practice or play, but he will still receive his normal salary from the Packers. Jacobs can still present at the team’s facility for meeting, individual workouts, therapy, and rehabilitation.
The NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List is a special paid leave status that allows the league to remove a player from active duty and roster limits while serious off-field legal matters or investigations are pending.
During the week, Jacobs was formally charged with two misdemeanors related to his May arrest. Brown County District Attorney filed the charges for criminal damage to property and battery, a development that could have been viewed as a relatively positive outcome for Jacobs given the severity of the original allegations. The player had initially been booked on five charges, including battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim.
Financial repercussions
Josh Jacobs in the third season of a four-year contract he signed with the Packers back in 2024. He’s set to make $11.5 million in 2026 and $13.5 million in 2027. Of those 2026 earnings, $10.2 million are in the form of base salary. Had Jacobs been suspended, the Packers would retain his salary and get that amount credited back to their cap. But because Jacobs goes to the Commissioner’s Exempt List, he’ll receive his full salary. However, Jacobs does not count toward the 53-man roster limit.
Jacobs’ lawyers David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld, and Clarence F. Duchac III released a statement about the NFL’s decision.
“Josh Jacobs has been placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which is an administrative procedure used by the NFL while a matter is being reviewed. It is not a final determination. Josh respects the NFL process, the Packers, and his Coaches and Teammates. He looks forward to his return to the team and the NFL.”
Depth at running back
The decision made clear why the Packers traded with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire running back Kaleb Johnson. The 53-man roster also has MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks, and the Packers are expected to bring undrafted rookie Jaden Nixon back on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
