Packers RB Emanuel Wilson talks about scoring first touchdown of season
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson stepped up in place of injured Josh Jacobs and scored a touchdown in the win over the Giants.
GREEN BAY – For three seasons, Emanuel Wilson has been a reliable backup running back for the Green Bay Packers, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring seven touchdowns.
His next carry, however, will be for the Seattle Seahawks.
The Packers did not submit a restricted free agent tender to him, and a source said he will sign a one-year deal with the Seahawks. NFL Network reported it was worth $2.1 million.
To keep Wilson, the Packers would have had to make him a one-year, $3.52 million offer. Because he wasn’t made the offer, Wilson became a free agent March 11, able to sign with anyone in the league.
The Packers have re-signed several other players who were scheduled to become restricted free agents, but they decided to move on from Wilson despite him being a capable backup. He offered a similar style to starter Josh Jacobs and it could be the Packers want someone quicker who can also be a factor in the passing game.
Wilson, an undrafted free agent in 2023, played in 41 games and rushed 242 times for 1,083 yards and seven touchdowns for the Packers. He caught 30 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown.
The Packers are going to have to add to their running back room . Third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd remains a possibility, but in two years he has appeared in just one game because of injury.
Lloyd has been unable to overcome constant hamstring injuries even after visiting specialists to determine what might be causing the issues.
The Packers re-signed Chris Brooks to a two-year, $4.85 million contract, but he is considered more of a third-down back than true backup. The Packers also have two players who spent time on the practice squad, Pierre Strong and Damien Martinez.
Strong, 27, has 99 career carries but did not get any in three game-day elevations last year. Martinez, 22, was signed to the practice squad Dec. 30 and then signed to the offseason roster.
