2020 Could Be Aaron Jones' Final Year in Green Bay

2020 is the final year of Aaron Jones' rookie contract with the Green Bay Packers. And although it's hard to imagine, there's the real possibility that he isn't re-signed. 

The Green Bay Packers' offense in 2019 was one that struggled to find any sort of consistency, especially in the passing game. Aaron Rodgers had one of his worst statistical seasons as a starting quarterback, they lacked playmaking ability at the tight end position, and Rodgers' lacked weapons at wide receiver. Overall, this Packer offense finished 18th in total yards per game and 15th in points per game. Which seems fitting, they were average. 

Yet, week in and week out the offensive unit always seemed to do just enough to secure the win and ultimately they finished the season 13-3 with a trip to the NFC Championship Game. 

However, can you even imagine what this offense would have looked like without Aaron Jones? The short answer is not pretty, and I don't even want to try. 

After fans waited and clamored for more opportunities for Jones during the 2018 season, as expected, Matt LaFleur gave him a much larger role in this Packers' offense. And it was magnificent, wasn't it?

In total, during the regular season Jones saw his snap count percentage increase from just 35 percent in 2018 up to nearly 62 percent last year. He also finished with nearly 1,100 rushing yards, had an additional 474 receiving yards, and 23 touchdowns including the playoffs.

When looking at Jones' performance from 2019, he just does so many things well. He's an ideal fit for LaFleur's zone running scheme with his ability to find the hole, hit it, and burst through. He also really became a weapon in the passing game and was actually Rodgers' favorite target when Davante Adams was out. During that four game stretch, Jones caught 22 of 27 passes for 280 yards with three receiving touchdowns. And to top it all off, he can hold his own as a blocker as well. There were numerous times this season where a blitzer came flying through and Jones was there to pick him up. 

Given that he has just turned 25-years-old and is entering the prime of his career. Along with his skill set, and his overall importance to this Green Bay offense, considering that Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract it's hard to imagine that the Packers wouldn't re-sign him or offer him a contract extension before that point. 

But it's a very real possibility that they won't and one that fans should be prepared for. 

For a number of years now, while many positions are seeing pay raises, running backs appear to be heading in the opposite direction - or at least a majority of them are - and the position as a whole has been devalued to a certain extent.

NFL teams know that they can get real production at the running back position from a mid to late round draft pick, or heck, even an undrafted rookie. And to top it off, those players are going to come with relatively inexpensive contracts.

Recently we've seen Green Bay draft Jones in the fifth round, Phillip Lindsay of Denver was undrafted and has eclipsed the 1,000 yard rushing mark in each of his first two seasons along with a Pro Bowl selection, and Alvin Kamara was selected in the third round and he is a three time Pro Bowler, while also being named the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017.  

There are more examples out there, but I'm sure you get my point. With the produciton that NFL teams can get from players drafted in the mid-rounds, it's becoming increasingly harder for General Managers to pay top dollar for a running back on his second or third contract. Even if they are very deserving. 

In fact, of the previous six Super Bowl winners, James White in 2017 with New England had the highest cap hit of any running back that led their team in snap percentage over the course of the entire season. And that cap hit was only $3 million. 

On top of that if we look at the 2019 season, we see that the teams with the four highest paid running backs all missed the playoffs. This list includes David Johnson in Arizona, Le'Veon Bell in New York, Todd Gurley with Los Angeles, and Ezekiel Elliot in Dallas. All of which had average annual salaries ranging from $13 million to $15 million per year.

Now, just because a team pays a running back a lot of money, does it mean that they can't win a Super Bowl? Of course not. We saw Seattle win a Super Bowl this past decade with Marshawn Lynch who came with a cap hit of $8.5 million. Although top-end running backs are coming with larger cap hits nowadays. 

It's also worth pointing out that the salaries of those aforementioned running backs certainly can't be pointed to as the only reason that those teams didn't make the playoffs. It's football, there are always many factors involved. 

Having said that though, I also think it's quite clear that NFL teams don't need to pay big money to running backs, like they do quarterbacks, edge-rushers, tackles, and so on, in order to win a Super Bowl. And that is where the dilemma for Green Bay arises in this conversation.

While next offseason the Packers should have more cap space to work with than they do now, in addition to Jones, they also have a number of other key free agents that they'll have to address. This includes Kevin King, Kenny Clark - although he will likely receive a contract extension this offseason - David Bakhtiari, and Corey Linsley. All of which play arguably more important positions than running back. This also doesn't take into account other needs that may pop up as well. 

However, what Jones has in his favor is his versatility and importance to this offense. As I mentioned earlier, Jones is more than just a runner. He can catch out of the backfield or line up out-wide and in the slot. He's a fine blocker for a running back, and to put it simply, he was what made this Packer offense go in 2019. It just looked different - in a good way - when they ran it through him. 

We know this offseason that Green Bay will almost certainly address the wide reciever and tight end positions in an attempt to give this passing game a major boost. Also, there's the hope that Rodgers takes a step forward in this offense, similar to what Matt Ryan did with Atlanta from 2015 to 2016 under Kyle Shanahan and LaFleur. But if in 2020 the offense looks similar to last year, with an inconsistent passing game and everything going through Jones once again, well, then the case to re-sign him only gets stronger. But it won't be cheap. 

Right now, Spotrac is projecting Jones to earn a contract on the open market that will pay him an average annual value of $14.9 million. Which as we've already discussed, is quite a bit for a running back. 

In a perfect world, Jones would be with the Green Bay Packers for another few seasons, however, that may not be realistic. Meaning, the Packers need to start preparing for life without Aaron Jones in Titletown, just in case things don't work out or if it just doesn't make financial sense. So as we look ahead to the NFL Draft, Green Bay should be planning on spending at least one, if not two draft picks on the running back position and hoping that one of them pans out. 

And in addition to the Green Bay Packers being prepared, fans should be as well. 

 

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__________________________

Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl. 
 

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4 points
 

Comments (57)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Turophile's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:28 am

Good piece, Paul.

I had someone (on another site) tell me I was an idiot for suggesting a Packers draft (this year), where the Packers took two later RB picks. The actual guys I picked were Antonio Gibson and Reggie Corbin (which may be available as 6th and 7th round picks).

When you read about the likelihood of Aaron Jones going elsewhere, then drafting two RBs this year and carrying four to five on the roster (with maybe one going on the PS). A.Jones, J.Williams, T.Ervin, A.Gibson and R.Corbin.

Jones drops out at the end of 2020 and it probably still leaves three or four guys (assuming one doesn't make it to 2021) going forward. That's solid forward planning (always assuming at least one of the draft guys works out).

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 10:19 am

I agree that a good RB probably pays better dividends than another WR, especially if you want to run more and throw less. I’d prefer a back that brings things like moving the pile and converting short yardage so we don’t have to punt as much.

Release Graham and use that money to get a TE in free agency. Resign Lewis on a modest 2 year deal. Draft a starting tackle. Draft a meat-hammer RB. Pound people.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Does anybody remember 2003, with Kevin Barry and the U71 Bacon offense?

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marpag1's picture

February 20, 2020 at 11:18 am

I do remember U71. From left to right... Chad Clifton, Mike Wahle Mike Flanagan, Marco Rivera and Mark Tauscher, with Berry coming in as the extra tackle, and the legendary Ahman Green toting the rock. More than that, they had all played together for years, they had Brett Favre under center, and Berry was actually the best flat-out drive blocker of the bunch.

I do get your point, and it's a decent point. But there's no way that the guys on today's roster, as a unit, can compare with those guys from 15 years ago. We just don't have the horses anymore.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:15 pm

Isn’t the point of the off season about getting the horses?

That 2003 line also had a pretty good blocker at TE in Bubba. When Barry came in as the third tackle....that was a lot of beef plowing the way. All three RBs....Green, Davenport, and Fisher.....averaged over 5.0 yards per carry. Best Packer Oline Ever.

If we added a good blocker at TE and RT this offseason I think it would really improve the offense. Draft a battering ram on a Day 3. That’s all we need to do on offense . Let’s keep Rodgers healthy and protected and let others take the contact.

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Stroh's picture

February 20, 2020 at 08:04 pm

I've said on numerous occasions that they need a legit #1 RB and they should have Jones in a James White type of role to keep him healthy and prolong his usefulness.

I loved Ahman, best RB in Packers history IMO, all due respect to Jim Taylor. Was at the Denver Game in '03 when Ahman busted off the 98 yd TD run. Thing of beauty. No one and I mean no one ever caught Ahman in the open field. Powerful, great receiver, blocker... Ahman did it all. Led the NFL in rushing from "00 thru '04 (5 yrs) and he and Bo Jackson are the only 2 RB in NFL history w/ 2 90 yd TD runs.

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marpag1's picture

February 21, 2020 at 02:32 am

I think we are agreeing, Leatherhead. I guess my point is that for the present day Packers run game to rise to the level of 2003 we would need upgrades at almost every relevant position. Bakh is probably as good or better than Clifton. MAYBE a healthy Bulaga could hang with Tauscher. I love E. Jenkins, but he's not Mike Wahle just yet. Everybody else? That's a whole lotta horses to upgrade in one offseason....

Everybody talks about the genius of Ron Wolf in getting Favre. Obviously that praise is well deserved. But the way Ron punked Seattle for Ahman Green... oh my goodness....

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 10:15 am

Power running game system vs. the wide zone scheme. Great trade by Wolf, showed Holmgren's limitations as a GM, even with Ted in the background.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 10:12 am

Didn't work too well @ Philly.

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Coldworld's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:30 pm

Loved the U71. Maybe Looney, he is big enough.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:25 pm

I was thinking the same thing. Looney is a 287 lb guy, He’s much heavier than the people he’ll be blocking

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dobber's picture

February 21, 2020 at 07:54 am

He's gotta be able to make the 53 as a TE/ST player, though.

Sounds like a tall hill to climb.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 10:21 am

Dillon from B.C. is a big guy to move the pile and control the clock. 4th rd or move up for another four pick and get a stonger guy. He can also be a FB type.

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Coldworld's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:29 pm

For me it depends what they really want to do, but if he stays healthy, I can’t see them letting him leave. Jones has a rare ability to make yards and seems to be improving as a catcher. As such he is going to be difficult if not impossible to replace. My caveat is that I’m not clear how the team will use him in the air if we have viable receivers at 2/3. I hope that he will expand his arial role but benefit from defenses having more to think about. If he does and is healthy, which is not a given, I think that he is locked in.

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Coldworld's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:43 pm

Duplicate deleted

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Renllaw's picture

February 21, 2020 at 09:49 am

I love the idea of Antonio Gibson! RB/Slot Receiver compliments and/or replaces Jones.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 10:38 am

LaVante Bellamy from W. Michigan. MAC conference.Gibson is a guy like Terrell Davis.

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packerbackerjim's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:34 am

Though I hope Aaron Jones has many productive seasons ahead, it is wise to have a Plan B for all positions, including the FO. This draft in particular offers the opportunity to add depth to the RB position.

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x24's picture

February 20, 2020 at 11:07 am

Not to minimize Mr Jones contribution to this team, but at RB more than any other position- behind every good man, there is another good man. GB had a serviceable running game with Samkon Gado at the point

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dobber's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:18 am

Smallish RB who's had a hard time staying healthy and whose game is vision, quicks, and elusiveness. Given that second contracts are typically 4+ year deals, the Packers will have to be really sure if they put the money on the table. When he hits the end, it will be a meaningful drop. Would not be surprised to see the Packers invest in the position again in the draft.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 10:44 am

If Taylor or Dobbins are floating around #30, I wouldn't hesitate to bag one. This is a draft where it would be wise for Gutedkunst to move UP into the first round for two picks. We all have seen how some of the two and three picks have not produced from 2017-18. Hit on an OT and WR or OT and RB. Get your defensive DT from free agency. The intrigue begins next week.

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WMA's picture

February 21, 2020 at 11:46 am

Agree dobber. Love Jones but another injury could take away all the things that make him special. Would consider a 3 year deal in the $6-7 annual range. Still would draft for depth and replacement in mind.

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stockholder's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:28 am

It seems like If their worried about signing guys next year. They have three options. #1 Sign them now. #2 Trade Them #3 Let them go. Cleaning House this year and signing some new faces will help the club more in the long run. I doubt we get two #1s for anybody. But shouldn't Gute be open to offers? Couldn't the Franchise tag be used before Trading? Per Kenny Clark? Had Gute signed Clark to an extension, it would have never come up. Now it has too. Two players for the price of one. The next problem is the draft. Gute can just take a pill. But getting a LB for Martinez or OT for Bulaga means losing better talent. That good RB, That good LT,( just incase Jones and Bahk leave.) We just don't have the means. But getting" better" is a business decision they should stand ON. Were not going to get "better" with any current FA. Even Clark, if we don't get someone around him. Somebody has to go this year!

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Handsback's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:43 am

I think the biggest point that Paul didn't mention was the fact that when Green Bay didn't use Jones as a focal point in their offense...it struggled. Which puts more pressure on signing Jones to a long term contract.
Jones won't get Elliott or Gurley money, but he will get paid next year. Should a RB be drafted in 2020....absolutely and you need another back to keep your offense churning for those first downs.
One last item....one scout rated the RBs of the league and Jones was lumped in with the best. I think that speaks louder than our opinion and feeds Gutsey's moves in FA and the draft. Rodgers was in the 2nd tier for QBs for what it's worth.

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dobber's picture

February 20, 2020 at 08:34 am

RBs get hurt. Every FFL person learns this the hard way. You find very few backs who play in every game every year, year after year. Gotta have good depth. What's more, as you point out here Hands, he makes the offense more diverse and more effective. I would argue that adding another back with a similar skillset would be very important...and neither Williams appears to be that guy (at least not yet for Dexter Williams).

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Coldworld's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:46 pm

Very few can do what he can do. He turned out to be special. While I agree with your point in general with RBs, I think Jones, if healthy, is a different calculation.

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dobber's picture

February 21, 2020 at 07:58 am

I think you're right: we don't see a lot of backs like him. But I would argue that there are backs like him coming out every year.

My point is that if he's the piece that makes your offense go, and you focus around him, you don't want to shitcan the majority of your offense if he gets hurt and misses significant time. You either need to be very flexible in what you run or you need to have a similar player who can step in and not limit your play calls. I would argue that they had enough flexibility to overcome Adams' injury last season...but that may not work both ways.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 10:59 am

The wide zone scheme is plug and play for a guy with some speed. Jone separates with his field vision and burst off the dime. He will be a player they should extend with incentives to earn more. The idea of a RB between 8-15M doesn't work
in the long run.

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CAG123's picture

February 20, 2020 at 08:11 am

Context is very important though those RBs got paid because of their importance to the team David Johnson in 2015 was a yards from scrimmage machine, so was Leveon Bell in his years with the Steelers, Zeke was the Cowboys offense in 2016 look what happened he missed games in 2017 then look what happened when he came back in 2018 look at the Rams when Gurley isn't on. When you build your offense around the RB its hard to argue the position is devalued. Alvin Kamara having a "meh-ish" season and the Saints still making the playoffs at 13-3 probably lost him a couple million. If Jones has another 1000 yard season with double digit TDs its going to be difficult to say "we can just get anybody to do that". It took Seattle years to replace Lynch. I'm just not with the "devalued" "less important" argument the three positions these analytics nerds have said aren't that important safety, MLB, RB we've seen the dark side of when you just throw anybody back there. They should be more focused on replacing Williams than Jones.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

February 20, 2020 at 08:06 am

With the 2020 draft draftnicks are talking about the QBs Burrow, Tua, Love, Herbert, etc. The long list of WRs being the best group we've seen since 2014. RBs have been more or less ignored but there's some great backs entering the NFL. If the right back falls to the PacksrsI'm all for drafting them.

It isn't urgent thag the Packers do it in 2020. RB is the easiest position for players to transition from college to the NFL. The Packers can draft a RB or 2 in 2021 if that's what needs to happen. It all depends on how the draft board shakes out.

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flackcatcher's picture

February 20, 2020 at 08:49 am

Well, the Packers are running a new offense that values the run game first and foremost. So even in a down year on RB in the draft, the Packers would invest pretty heavy in that group. And this is not a down year. Not only do they need to find a third or fourth (or fifth or sixth.... :-) RB, they need a second or two FB if they decide to let go the current FB on the roster. Just one of many needs Gute must address by draft or FA. (Of course MLF still has to convince QB 1 that handing off the football is a good thing too.... :-)

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dobber's picture

February 21, 2020 at 09:02 am

I find myself thinking more and more that the Packers--if they don't deal up--will be drafting on the OL and DL, in the first three rounds. Still another pick there to work with in the first two days, but my guess is that they address both lines early. I think the wolves would really start to howl if they picked an RB early (especially over a WR or ILB), but it's a real possibility.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 08:56 am

I’ve been in favor of adding a pile mover since our season ended. Jones and Williams are both in the last year of their contracts.

Jones had a very good year and stayed healthy, but he’s not Marshawn Lynch, or Elliott, or Gurley. I’d be really reluctant to commit serious money to him .

-2 points
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stockholder's picture

February 20, 2020 at 09:59 am

They gave the money to Adams. I'd pay jones too.

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CAG123's picture

February 20, 2020 at 10:15 am

Old school you might be the most unpredictable person here lol I mean the same guy that wanted to keep Perry and Brice is now reluctant to keep the guy that makes the offense go? You’ve been beating the Blake Martinez drum talking about his tackle leading campaigns despite the other areas of his job he’s lacking in but is “iffy” about the guy that has improved as a pass blocker, catching out of the backfield and lead the league in TDs? Just because he’s not some “old school” (no pun intended) running back like Lynch and Zeke? Despite his smaller stature the guy doesn’t shy away from contact but he’d rather make a guy miss for an extra 4-5 yards which is more valuable than just tucking the ol shoulder and letting him have it. The Packers can find a more dynamic replacement for Williams to push the pile. I just don’t understand.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 02:46 pm

Cag........ Brice wouldn’t have been any worse than Raven Greene. Martinez is not going to be replaced by somebody better and cheaper. Jones has had ONE good year. If you want to spend a bunch of money resigning him, be my guest. I don’t.

And of course, we have the out on Rodgers deal after the 2021 season, so we might be looking at a lot of changes then. Let’s see what Jones...and the team...does this year.

I’ve explained before that I thought as long as we were paying Perry a lot in 2019, he might as well play. I don’t really understand why you can’t wrap your head around things like him and Brice.

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flackcatcher's picture

February 21, 2020 at 08:54 am

(sigh) Man, Brice was a guy who let his emotions get the best of him. Became too fragile both physically and mentally and had to be let go. Always bit on the fake, drove his position coach nuts. With the total wipe out of the secondary, keeping him made no sense. Perry was worth his salary. Stout at the point of attack, and could squeeze the edge down against the best. BUT but he could never stay on the field over a 16 game season. Like most players who are in this league, he got wore out. It happens. That's just the NFL. Players who play long are the exception, not the rule... (PS. Greene is a better player now the Brice ever was. He uses his head for something other than a battering ram... :-)

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CAG123's picture

February 21, 2020 at 01:30 pm

The fact that Brice is in the XFL somewhere and Greene is on a NFL roster, the fact that Pettine didn’t ask Gute to bring him in when Greene got hurt tells me different. Yes Jones had a good year but that was due to more opportunity not because he was bad and unlike Blake he’s improved in multiple areas of his job. The Packers cut their losses on Perry which is what you do when you want to improve on a position in the same breath that you’ve said a new WR would take away snaps from guys the Packers already have what do you think keeping Perry would have done? You’ve defended guys that have done far less but want to chuck the guy that has improved and lead the league in TDs? That’s what I can’t wrap my head around. For a guy that wants to “run more throw less” it’s odd that you want to get rid of our leading rusher and NFL leader in TDs for some unknown one dimensional running back. I do agree another dynamic yet more physical RB is needed but for Williams not Jones there was this stat that showed how the offense plummets when Williams is the main back the Packers shouldn’t be experiencing that type of drop off plus he’s been hurt more than Jones.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 21, 2020 at 02:32 pm

Never said get rid of Jones. Just said I wouldn’t spend money on him to resign. Easier and much cheaper to add RBs in the draft. He’s had one good season and his best football is probably behind him. We’ve got him for one more year. But we should be adding to Jones/Williams because they’ll probably both be gone after that.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 02:36 pm

First time Brice entered the starting lineup I almost hurled. They cannot tell me there wasn't a better player somewhere in American Pro Football.

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Lphill's picture

February 20, 2020 at 09:00 am

I think if a good running back is on the board from round 3 on I think the Packers take him regardless of Jones contract situation. A good team always looks to get better at every position.

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TXCHEESE's picture

February 20, 2020 at 10:49 am

Unless Jones somehow regresses significantly, I don't see how GB doesn't resign, or maybe just maybe, extend him prior to the end of 2020. Here's hoping Tyler Ervin is resigned and becomes more involved with the offense next year. That may allow GB to keep Jones' usage to a reasonable amount without sacrificing effectiveness on offense. I like Williams and he's been a great team mate, but he's simply not a good substitute for Jones, and he's not a particularly great short yardage back. His days in GB may be numbered.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 21, 2020 at 11:07 am

They will bring in somebody to compete against T Williams.

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Qoojo's picture

February 20, 2020 at 11:03 am

I think last year was his first full year of playing without an injury. If he plays the entire year again, I doubt they have the money to re-sign him without him giving a discount, and RBs should never give discounts on second contracts due to the injury prone nature of the position. Until he shows another year of handling the NFL RB punishment, I wouldn't invest a lot of money in him.

Also, have to see what happens if they can upgrade the WR position. Given that they only had 1-2 WRs (Adams, Lazard), it increased the dependence on Jones.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:24 pm

All the top backs in every category are 25 or under. Yards, attempts, TDS, etc. Jones will turn 26 in December. I think extending him is not the percentage play.

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dobber's picture

February 21, 2020 at 09:02 am

I think a lot of the really productive RBs have remarkable skill sets, but they're also the result of good playcalling, scheme, and blocking. It always seems that when a productive back gets hurt, the next back up is usually productive, too. If few teams want to commit big $$$ to a RB, that's going to skew numbers to young guys on rookie/UDFA/RFA deals.

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Duneslick's picture

February 20, 2020 at 11:42 am

I told my brother this a week ago. OK most packer fans won't like this but football is a business. They will hamstring the team if the re sign Jones. Just too much money and we need that for other positions. Now something no one has considered not resigning clark. Does the salary model for the team include 18 million for a nose tackle. No i don't think so. Draft or sign a big run stuffer and play pass rushers on passing downs. You have to figure out what positions you want to spend money at like olb and not 2 12 million a year WR's Jordy and reggie or a nose tackle. If clark was aaron donald yes because of the sacks but he is not worth that much. I like him has a player but i hope there is a reason they are not signing or extending him

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CAG123's picture

February 20, 2020 at 12:33 pm

You probably don’t realize this but nobody really wants one dimensional lineman anymore they want a guy that can push the pocket, rush the passer from inside and play the run the days of big slow dlinemen are over. The NFL is a passing league so the more pressure you can create the better. Plus Clark and Donald do not play the same position you see how Donald’s production sky rocketed when he was playing with Suh and then how it came back down to normal when Suh left it’s not far fetched to think that Clark could be a 7-10 sack player from the NT position with a legit threat next to him.

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stockholder's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:08 pm

Does anybody remember Ahmad Green? Forget thinking Jones can be replaced. // Draft?? How did Dexter work out./// Jones's is unselfish. And think how he ran behind this line. I've seen comments on replacing everyone on the OL at one time or another. This isn't a pleasant game when you see the beatings RBs take. How fast we forgot about Franklin. Jones a threat. He's a work horse like Green. Gute must act now if he wants to keep him. Sign him.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 06:27 pm

Ahman.

I remember him.

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Stroh's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:05 pm

If you can't get his name right, you have no basis from which to discuss him. Jones isn't even close to Ahman Green territory. They don't belong in the same sentence or discussion.

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Stroh's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:02 pm

I would pay him 7.5 to maybe 8M, not more. Nice RB who's made better being in the same backfield as Rodgers. He ain't no Ahman Green. I wouldn't say he's a dime a dozen, but just above. If he wants more, Have a nice day Aaron. Go make your money on another team and probably find out that its not as easy when Aaron Rodgers isn't your QB.

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stockholder's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:21 pm

I bet he takes it to stay with Rodgers.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 20, 2020 at 07:37 pm

Rodgers will only play for us two more years.

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dobber's picture

February 21, 2020 at 08:14 am

Hard to say without knowledge of what happens to the cap and contracts under the new CBA.

A $17M dead money hit in 2022 if he's traded or released is hard to take if you're still a contending team, but to make that kind of decision he would likely have slid so far that he's really not a viable starter anymore (or you've happened upon his replacement/a more useful option). Ultimately, his cap savings would be ~$22M if let go after 2021.

I think no more than 3 more years, for sure.

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fastmoving's picture

February 21, 2020 at 09:53 am

Yeah, it was so easy with a QB who was not even top 15. and was no treath to hit his open receivers...…
Thats why AR makes everyone better. His expensiv TEs, his great, young, fast and tall WRs and his elusive RB with good hands. Guess the holding on tho the ball forever and never stepping into his throws is his secret……..
Beer is a hell of a drug.

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Wilment's picture

February 20, 2020 at 10:58 pm

Depending on how the Packers address the wide receiver and tight end positions this year, I wouldn't be too quick to count AJ out. Fans love him, and lets face it, he led the team in rushing, touchdowns, and was the defacto number two wide receiver. His speed and ability to get lost out there in the secondary requires him to be accounted for. You cant cover him with a linebacker, I dont care who it is. The biggest thing is how will he handle more workload in a consecutive. year? We shall see. Id like to see him resigned. GOPACKGO!

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dobber's picture

February 21, 2020 at 09:05 am

I think one of the prime arguments for making an upgrade at #2 WR is that Jones demands either an uber-fast coverage LB (there are some who can keep up with him) or a S/CB in coverage. That's naturally going to open things up for someone on passing downs. You'd want it to be someone who is a threat to make big catches.

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