The Green Bay Packers announced that they are moving on star running back Aaron Jones. The former UTEP star will now be an unrestricted free agent. While the move made sense from a strictly football sense, there is clearly a sense of loss for Packers fans over the departure of the catalyst that made the Green Bay offense go. Here is a look back at the legacy of Aaron Jones with the Packers.
The Packers Move on from Aaron Jones
The Packers signed former Raiders running back Josh Jacobs on Monday after determining they could not reach an agreement with Jones to lower his 2024 cap hit.
Jones had already agreed to take a pay cut to stay with the Packers in 2023. He was due to count approximately $17 million against the cap in 2024, too high a number for a 29-year-old running back. As a result, the Packers decided to part ways with Jones.
Aaron Jones Legacy with the Packers
Jones exits Green Bay as the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher with 5,940 yards on 1,177 carries. Only Ahman Green and Jim Taylor have gained more yards in a Packers uniform. Jones’ 5.0-yards per carry is the highest among all Packers running backs in the franchise’s top 50 rushers.
He started his career as a fifth-round pick in 2017. By his second season, Jones became a starter. He topped 1,000 yards rushing three times, in 2019, 2020, and 2022. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2019 with 16. In 2020, he earned Pro Bowl honors.
Jones ran for 100 yards or more in 20 games with the Packers over the course of his career. The Packers went 18-2 in those contests.
Jones always had a strong work ethic and a desire to get better. He was a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, catching more than 45 passes for four straight seasons from 2019-2022. Jones also dedicated himself to becoming a solid pass blocker. He worked hard to pick up blitzes to help the team and ensure his spot in the lineup.
Praise from His Teammates are Part of Aaron Jones Legacy with the Packers
It is not surprising that the Packers offense played its best football late last season when Jones was finally healthy. His speed and elusiveness made the offense more dangerous and opened up opportunities for his teammates. The young Packers players looked up to Jones and regarded him as a role model.
Perhaps the best tribute to Jones as a player came from rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed who was caught talking to Jones on the sidelines by NFL Films during the Packers playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys. Jones scored three touchdowns in that game.
Reed said, “You the reason I go hard, bro. You somebody to look up to, bro. You somebody to play for, no cap. I want to go out there and block for you.”
That inspiration was evident throughout Jones’ time in Green Bay. He always worked hard and led by example, doing things the right way.
Praise from the Coach and GM
“Today is a tough day for the Packers and our community,” head coach Matt LaFleur said in a statement released by the team. “As good of a player as Aaron is on the field, he is an even better person. When I arrived in Green Bay as a first-time head coach, he was instrumental in establishing our winning culture and always served as the greatest example of what it meant to be a Packer. Aaron will always be one of the best players I had the opportunity to coach. He, his son, Junior, his mom, Vurgess, and his family will be missed.”
GM Brian Gutekunst also had high praise for Jones. “We want to thank Aaron for his unwavering commitment to the Packers and the community over the past seven seasons,” he said. “It is certainly one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make in my time with the Packers and not one taken lightly. He has not only had a significant impact on the field and in the locker room, but he is one of the most beloved players in the community. We wish nothing but the best for Aaron and his entire family moving forward.”
Jones will now be a free agency. There is a remote possibility he could return to Green Bay but it’s much more likely another team will pay him more money than the Packers are willing to offer, especially after they signed Jacobs.
Let there be no doubt, Jones will be in the Packers Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible. He will be remembered as a great Packer on and off the field.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
