The Green Bay Packers are into the 2024 season with hopes of returning to the title conversation. After dealing away four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, few expected them to be in this position after only one season.
This offseason will see some small changes on the attacking side of the ball. Many believed that following Aaron Jones’ performance at the end of the 2023 season, he would be a lock to return to the club. This may not be the case.
Aaron Jones’s announcement ahead of the NFL Combine has thrilled Green Bay Packers fans.
The Packers are hopeful Aaron Jones will accept a wage cut before the 2024 season. According to the Milwaukee Journal, the Packers spoke with Jones’ agent during the NFL Combine to discuss revising the running back’s contract.
Jones’ attorney, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Packers are negotiating a figure that will satisfy the club’s desire to reduce its salary cap number while still providing Jones with what he believes he would make on the free market. According to the article, Jones will be released if the two sides are unable to reach an agreement.
Jones’ $48 million contract, negotiated four years ago, expires after the 2024 season. According to the current wage structure, he will make $11 million and have a $17.6 million cap hit.
Despite missing six games due to injuries, the 29-year-old former Pro Bowler finished the 2023 season strong. He rushed for 118 yards and three scores in Green Bay’s shock playoff victory over the Cowboys. He also had five straight 100-yard rushing outings to end the year.
Jones demonstrated his importance to the Packers’ offense over the season’s most crucial stretch.
According to Robin Adams of Wisconsin Sports Heroics, it would be shocking if the Packers let Jones go:
Perhaps unsurprisingly (given Jones’ popularity), the idea that he could be cut elicited a significantly stronger reaction than the second major shock in Silverstein’s report: the Packers are unlikely to bring back AJ Dillon.
The fact that Dillon is likely gone increases Green Bay’s chances of re-signing Jones. In any case, they will most likely look to the 2024 NFL Draft to find Jones’ replacement, but it would be wonderful to have the franchise’s third all-time top rusher on the roster to show him the ropes.
