The Green Bay Packers have a pressing need to solidify their running back depth behind star Josh Jacobs, and a familiar name is emerging as a potential solution: former first-round pick Najee Harris.

Currently, the Packers are banking on MarShawn Lloyd as their RB2. On paper, that makes sense—Green Bay selected Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and when healthy, he's flashed impressive athleticism. However, there's a glaring catch: Lloyd has played in just one regular-season game over two seasons due to a string of injuries. While he could be an X-factor, relying on him for a full 17-game slate is a gamble the Packers can't afford to take.

This uncertainty puts Green Bay in a precarious spot heading into 2026. Jacobs, for all his talent, has his own injury history, and the team let reliable backup Emanuel Wilson walk in free agency. The Packers need a bruising, veteran presence they can trust to carry the load if called upon—someone who can absorb hits and grind out tough yards.

Enter Najee Harris. The 28-year-old former first-round pick is still available on the post-draft free-agent market, and analysts are predicting he could land in Green Bay. Harris spent his early career as a workhorse for the Pittsburgh Steelers, topping 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons. However, his 2025 campaign was cut short after just three games with the Los Angeles Chargers due to a torn Achilles tendon—a major red flag given the Packers' existing injury concerns.

Still, if Harris can recover, he offers a different skill set than Jacobs and Lloyd. As one analyst noted, "He shouldn't be expected to take on the workload he had in Pittsburgh, but he should still be effective for depth as a power back." That kind of physical, between-the-tackles presence could be exactly what Green Bay needs to round out their backfield and provide insurance for a playoff push.

For now, the Packers have options—but adding a proven veteran like Harris could turn a potential weakness into a strength. Whether they pull the trigger remains to be seen, but the logic is clear: when you're chasing a championship, depth isn't just nice to have—it's essential.