Josh Jacobs to Giants? Eagles' Week 1 Opponent Could Have Looked Differently

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the start of the 2024 season with a contest against the Green Bay Packers, a fun reality almost set in months ago.

Much like the Eagles, the Packers spent plenty of money improving the roster with the signings of Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs.

It was the signing of Jacobs that could have been altered. The former Las Vegas Raiders star runner wanted to be a Raider, but The Athletic detailed exactly how his free agency worked out - including a surprise offer from one of Philadelphia's top rival.

"The Giants came on strong with an offer between $3 million and $4 million more than he eventually accepted. But Jacobs was turned off by the New York taxes, lifestyle, media and the artificial turf at MetLife Stadium," Dan Pompei wrote. "When the Packers offered $48 million over four years, he was intrigued, but he still pictured himself as a Raider for life. In his mind, his first team wasn’t his employer as much as his home. So he gave the Raiders an opportunity to match. When they said no, he told them he would accept less than the Packers offered if they included incentives. The Raiders turned him down."

Jacobs opting to join the Packers makes plenty of sense outside of the financial aspects. Green Bay is looking to improve on their playoff-winning season from the year before and hopes the All-Pro runner can help in that regard.

Related: 'Play Football!' Eagles' Nick Sirianni Reveals Plan for Packers

It also adds a new wrinkle to the Eagles' defense to start the season.