In a stunning turn of events, the Green Bay Packers have released running back Aaron Jones. This comes hours after signing RB Josh Jacobs as a running mate to Jones, now the Packers must reorganize their depth chart.
As Aaron Jones begins the search for a new home, it is time to look at teams that will likely have interest in him, as well as how he fits in their system.
Top Team for Aaron Jones to Land: Green Bay Packers
In Aaron Jones’ years as a Green Bay Packer, he racked up nearly 6,000 yards and 45 touchdowns. In that frame (2017-) Aaron Jones was 5th among all rushers in yards. The 5’9 207 pound-back out of UTEP found a home in Green Bay, becoming a fan-favorite player quickly and becoming a figurehead in the culture of the Packers.
Source: The #Packers have now informed RB Aaron Jones of his release after talks broke down.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
Although the Green Bay Packers have just released Aaron Jones, it is not due to his capabilities or play. With contract negotiations falling apart, they will let him negotiate with other teams, in the event he does not find a deal that he is satisfied with, there is no reason for him not to give the Green Bay Packers the hometown discount.
Baltimore Ravens
Amid their Super Bowl window, the Baltimore Ravens look to upgrade to get over the hump in the talent-rich AFC. In a successful campaign where QB Lamar Jackson won his second NFL MVP award, they came up short of their final goal of a Super Bowl Win. In 2023 the Ravens were number one in rushing yards among all teams, though this does not mean they would not have interest in the superstar running back.
The Baltimore Ravens have two of their top ball carriers not under contract next season Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins. As they search for a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield to distract from Lamar Jackson’s deadly abilities, Aaron Jones jumps off the page. Aaron Jones’ dynamic pass-catching would complement the Ravens’ dynamics greatly, stretching the defense horizontally to open more running lanes for Lamar Jackson.
Dallas Cowboys
After losing Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans, the Dallas Cowboys must look for a new back to bolster a roster primed for a Super Bowl run. The same player who was a key force in eliminating them in an embarrassing loss in the 2023 Wildcard round, the Cowboys could flip the script by adding the “Cowboy Killer” to the roster.
Aaron Jones is from El Paso, Texas, likely putting the Cowboys among his top teams to talk too in free agency time. In Aaron Jones’ three games against the Dallas Cowboys, he has tallied 370 yards and six touchdowns. If he can perform so high against them, maybe he can perform higher for them.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After signing Baker Mayfield to a franchise QB contract, as well as bringing back superstar wide receiver Mike Evans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would benefit greatly from a dynamic scorer in their backfield. The Buccaneers found success in the playoffs, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the wildcard round. GIven their recent roster moves, it is clear they are looking to pursue a SuperBowl with a similar roster as they had in their 2020 SuperBowl win.
The Buccaneers were last in the NFL in rushing yards per game and managed to still win their division. In the case they could obtain a superstar back like Aaron Jones they would likely elevate their offense to an elite tier.
For More Of Me
Follow me on Twitter at @tyesportswrite or Instagram @erictyeellison.