Emanuel Wilson has become one of the most reliable backup running backs in the NFL during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
Is he the Malik Willis of backup running backs? No, Willis arguably has what it takes to be a starting NFL quarterback and he’s most likely going to get paid this free agency to become just that for a different organization.
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Wilson, a former undrafted free agent out of Fort Valley State (part of the SIAC) is probably never going to be a full-time starting running back in the NFL.
As a backup and a spot-starter, though? He’s absolutely worth his weight in green and gold.
That’s what makes it surprising to hear that the Packers will not be placing a tender on him as a restricted free agent.
The tender in this case is essentially the first right of refusal for a restricted free agent. The team signs the player to a one-year tender, which, in Wilson’s case, would be a one-year, $3.5 million deal. It’s the lowest tender available, but again, Wilson is a former UDFA.
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That’s $3.5 million to bring one of the better backup running backs in the league back for a year.
Instead, by not tendering Wilson, the Packers are allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. He can now sign anywhere he wants, and that includes with Green Bay if he wants to come back.
If the Packers want him back, and why wouldn’t they, they’re betting that they can get him back on the roster for less than $3.5 million a year. They’re also betting that he’ll hit free agency and not get swooped up. Heck, he could even end up with a divisional rival. The Minnesota Vikings could use a new starting running back. The Detroit Lions will likely be looking for a new backup behind Jahmyr Gibbs.
If the Packers were solid at running back, that would be one thing. Hypothetically, they are solid with Josh Jacobs as the starter, but he’s also 28 years old with a history of injuries.
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Speaking of injuries, former third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd can’t be trusted. He’s played in just one game over the past few seasons due to injury.
The Pack could go into free agency to get a running back, but which low-end free agent are they going to get who would be better than Wilson?
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs for a gain against Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) in the second quarter during their football game Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Last season, he rushed 125 times for 496 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. In three seasons in Green Bay, he’s rushed for a total of 1,083 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s also added 170 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.
Why the Packers wouldn’t want Wilson back is anybody’s guess. It’s silly.
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If they do want him back for 2026, though, it’s still silly because they’re playing a game by hoping he’ll re-sign for less as an unrestricted free agent. It could be a losing game for general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Packers.
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