Packers make their move Following the addition of Josh Jacobs in 2024 NFL free agency, Aaron Jones: The end of one of our “hardest decisions” is already in the books for Jones’ time in Green Bay.
The backfield for the Green Bay Packers has been completely transformed. The organization let go of veteran running back Aaron Jones shortly after reaching a settlement with former Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. In addition to Jacobs’ arrival, Jones’ contract negotiations with the Packers failed down, which is why they are cutting their connections. Jones was scheduled to receive $12 million this season and was approaching the last year of his deal in 2024.
As stated in a statement posted on the team’s website on Monday, “We want to thank Aaron for his unwavering commitment to the Packers and the community over the past seven seasons,” said general manager Brian Gutekunst. “It is undoubtedly one of the most difficult choices we have faced during my tenure with the Packers, and it is not one that is made lightly. In addition to making a big difference on the field and in the locker room, he is also highly regarded in the community. Going forward, we hope for nothing but the best for Aaron and his whole family.”
The 29-year-old had been a member of the Packers’ team his entire career. The team selected him out of UTEP in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he went on to become one of the more adaptable backs in the league. He was a 2020 Pro Bowl selection and co-leader in the number of rushing touchdowns (16) in the 2019 season.
“Today is not going well for our community or the Packers.” Aaron is an even greater guy off the field than he is a player, according to head coach Matt LaFleur of the Packers, who made the announcement on the team’s website on Monday. He was crucial in creating our winning culture when I became the Green Bay Packers’ first head coach, and he was always the best representation of what it meant to be a Packer. One of the best athletes I ever had the chance to coach was Aaron, and he will always be. He will be missed, as will his mother Vurgess, son Junior, and extended family.”
Due to injuries in 2023, Jones was only able to play in 11 games. But when he was on the field, he was quite effective; in the final five games of the season, including the two playoff games, he ran for over 100 yards. He recorded three seasons with double-digit touchdowns and four seasons over 1,000 scrimmage yards during his seven years with the team.
With 5,940 running yards, Jones has the third-most in team history as he wraps out his time with the Packers. His 272 receptions were placed 19th in franchise history, while his 45 rushing touchdowns rank fourth.
In addition to Jones’ exit, Green Bay’s desire to hold onto fellow running back A.J. Dillon, who is also a free agent, is called into question by Jacobs’ arrival. Jacobs is probably going to inherit the majority of the 320 total carries from the previous season if Dillon is playing elsewhere in 2024.
