Packers Release Running Back Aaron Jones

Green Bay Packers release veteran Aaron Jones, sign Josh Jacobs. Jones' departure marks a major change in the team's running back room.

The landscape of the Green Bay Packers' running back room is set to undergo a significant transformation in the upcoming 2024 season. The team has made a bold move by agreeing to sign Las Vegas standout running back Josh Jacobs, but this decision comes at the cost of parting ways with veteran stalwart Aaron Jones.

Jones has been a key figure in the Packers' backfield, ranking third in team history with an impressive 5,940 rushing yards and fourth with 45 rushing touchdowns. Despite restructuring his contract last offseason and taking a pay cut from $16 million to $11 million, Jones and the Packers were unable to reach an agreement this time around.

With a hefty cap number of $17.6 million in 2024, the Packers made the tough decision to release Jones, saving $11.9 million against the cap for the upcoming season. While Jacobs brings youth and durability to the position, replacing Jones, a versatile player with a unique set of accomplishments, will be no easy feat.

Jones holds a special place in NFL history as the only player to achieve 5,000-plus rushing yards, 45-plus rushing touchdowns, an average of 5.0-plus yards per carry, 250-plus receptions, 2,000-plus receiving yards, and 15-plus receiving touchdowns in his first seven seasons in the league. His impact extended beyond the field, as he was a respected locker room leader and the Packers' nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur praised Jones for his versatility, work ethic, and leadership qualities, highlighting his positive influence on the team's younger players. Despite missing seven games in 2023, Jones finished the season strong with five consecutive 100-yard games, showcasing his value as a playmaker and a reliable contributor to the team's success.

As the Packers opt for a younger approach at the running back position, Jones will be donning a different uniform in the upcoming season. His legacy with the Packers, marked by his on-field achievements and off-field character, will be remembered as he embarks on a new chapter in his NFL career.