The Green Bay Packers chose to break ways with longstanding running back Aaron Jones, surprising fans and followers. Despite being in the midst of contract negotiations, the NFC North team made the unexpected choice to dismiss their best player. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst sought to clarify the situation, so he issued a statement regarding Jones’ abrupt departure from the franchise.
Jones and the Packers attempted to reach an agreement on a reworked contract to minimize his cap figure for 2024, but his replacement was swiftly found in former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. On Monday, Green Bay released another franchise cornerstone, offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.
Green Bay Packers Issue Statement on Aaron Jones’ Cut
General manager Brian Gutekunst issued a statement following Aaron Jones’ release from the Green Bay Packers. Gutekunst’s sentiments for Jones’ stint with the franchise were passionate, if a little clichéd. “We want to thank Aaron for his unwavering commitment to the Packers and the community over the past seven seasons,” he stated.
He went on to say, “It is without a doubt one of the most difficult decisions we’ve had to make in my time with the Packers, and it was not taken lightly.” He has not only made a huge impact on the field and in the poker room, but he is also one of the most popular players in the community. We wish Aaron and his family all the best in the future.”
Head Coach Matt LaFleur weighed in, saying, “Today is a difficult day for the Packers and our community.” Aaron is an even greater person than he is a great athlete on the field.
“When I arrived in Green Bay as a first-time head coach, he was important in developing our winning culture and was always the best example of what it meant to be a Packer. Aaron will always be remembered as one of the best players I’ve ever coached. “He, his son, Junior, his mother, Vurgess, and his family will be missed,” concluded LaFleur and the team statement on Aaron Jones’ discharge.
Aaron Jones’ storied Packers career comes to an unceremonious end.
Aaron Jones’ time with the Green Bay Packers, where he averaged 4.6 yards per run, has come to an end. Jones, the 182nd selection in the 2017 NFL draft, shared time with fellow rusher Jamaal Williams in his first two seasons. However, in 2019, he burst out, rushing for 1,084 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns. He also grabbed 49 passes for 474 yards and three more scores. The UTEP product once again shone in 2020, rushing for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns.
Jones dominated from 2019 to 2022, with 5,723 scrimmage yards and 47 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Jones’ ailments limited him to just 11 games last season. Nonetheless, he recorded 889 scrimmage yards. Jones will depart Green Bay third all-time in scrimmage yards among rushers, trailing only Ahman Green and Jim Taylor.
