Is Aaron Jones’ time as the star running back for the Green Bay Packers drawing to a close? According to Pete Dougherty of The Green Bay Press-Gazette, this possibility looms on the horizon following the 2023 NFL season.
Dougherty highlights concerns about Jones’ diminishing health and points out that the Packers could save $5.4 million by releasing him in the upcoming offseason.
While General Manager Brian Gutekunst might consider asking Jones to accept a pay cut, the myriad of issues surrounding Jones might dissuade such negotiations. It’s strange to think of Jones not being on the field for the Packers, but that reality may be close to happening.
Packers Have Not Seen The Normal Aaron Jones This Season
This season, Jones has faced setbacks, playing in only seven games due to hamstring and knee injuries. In his limited time on the field, he has managed to accumulate 245 rushing yards and a couple of touchdowns, with an average of 3.7 yards per carry. Those numbers mark the least productive season of his NFL career.
Jones has also recorded 19 receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown as a receiver out of the backfield.
Drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Jones had a solid but not great start to his NFL career before breaking out in his third season. In that standout year, he racked up 1,084 rushing yards and a league-leading 16 touchdowns, boasting a 4.6 yards-per-carry average. Additionally, he showcased dual-threat ability with 49 receptions for 474 yards and three scores.
Jones continued his impressive performance, earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2020 after a season with 1,104 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, maintaining an impressive 5.5 yards per attempt. He also recorded 47 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2022, Jones set a career-high with 1,121 rushing yards, scoring twice on the ground. He ended last season with a career-best 59 receptions for 395 yards and five touchdowns.
As the Green Bay Packers stand at 6-7 the season entering Week 15, recently having their three-game winning streak snapped by the New York Giants, Jones and the team face a challenge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend. It is certainly a must-win game for Green Bay.
Hopefully, Jones can get back to full health and get back on the field. If not, his potential last season with the Packers could end the exact opposite of most of his tenure with the team.
