Packers make confusing decision to cut ties with 4.5 YPC RB

Packers make confusing decision to cut ties with 4.5 YPC RB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When the Green Bay Packers needed him last season, Emanuel Wilson was quite reliable at running back.

They won't have that option available to them in 2026, though, after a surprising contract decision.

The Packers chose Friday not to tender a new contract to Wilson, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. That makes the RB a free agent.

Wilson, 26, spent the past three seasons with the Packers.

In 2025, he ran 125 times for 496 yards (4.0 yards per carry) with three touchdowns. He added 15 catches for 99 yards.

He had been even slightly better in 2024, with 103 carries for 502 yards (4.9 ypc) and four touchdowns.

He had run 14 times for 85 yards (6.1 ypc) in 2023.

All told, in 41 games with the Packers, Wilson ran 242 times for 1,083 yards (4.5 ypc) and seven touchdowns.

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Seems like a guy you wouldn't mind keeping around, but the Packers have chosen to move on.

Josh Jacobs remains the RB1 in Green Bay when healthy.

The Packers really are putting their hopes on 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd, who has battled injuries but is still believed to have a bright future.

The availability of Wilson is also intriguing, too. Another team will likely land a solid RB when they bring him aboard.

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