Reworking Aaron Jones’ Deal Is a Win-Win for Both Sides
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers made an important move on Friday, reworking the contract of running back Aaron Jones that both reduces his 2023 cap hit and keeps him in a Packers uniform for at least another year.
According to published reports, the deal reduces Jones’ 2023 base salary to $11 million. He also gets a signing bonus of $8.52 million. That reduces Jones’ cap hit by approximately $11.8 million. Jones will get approximately $5 million less money in 2023 but he will get more guaranteed money this season than he would have prior to reworking the contract.
The deal benefits both sides. For the Packers, they get to keep their top offensive weapon in Green Bay for another season. Jones is coming off a career-best 1,121 yard rushing season, the third time he’s gone over 1,000 yards on the ground in his career. He also averaged an impressive 5.3-yards per carry and caught 59 passes for 395 yards and had a total of seven touchdowns.
Jones was the most consistent weapon in the Packers offense in 2022. When Jones got the ball consistently whether it was on the ground or as a receiver, the Packers offense tended to gain more yards and score more points.
In games when the Packers offense got away from giving Jones the ball, the team struggled to move the football.
The Packers need offensive weapons and Jones and Christian Watson give the team a pair of players who are capable of making a big play any time they touch the football.
Jones gets benefits from the move as well. The former UTEP star will turn 29 in December and if he couldn’t work out a new deal with the Packers he might have difficulty signing a better deal elsewhere. Jones is also a perfect fit for the Packers offense and is familiar with the team’s system.
GM Brian Gutekunst told reporters he wanted to find a way to keep Jones in Green Bay after the 2022 season came to a close. He described Jones as, “a dynamic player. For a guy his size, to bring it every day, he rarely misses a practice, rarely misses a rep. The way he leads that football team, his consistency is amazing. In this league, you can’t have just one. Obviously, having AJ [Dillon], it’s nice to have that one-two punch but … when we got first here, you’re thinking, ‘Hey, this probably won’t last long because the way he’s built and his size,’ and he just keeps on defying the odds.”
Regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love is the starting quarterback next season, having Jones along with A.J. Dillon in the backfield gives the Packers offense a Pro Bowl-caliber weapon who can run the football, catch passes out of the backfield and is a willing blocker at picking up blitzes.
Jones is also considered a good teammate. He is an asset in the locker room and a player who does things the right way on and off the field. He is involved in charity work off the field and was the Packers finalist for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award for the second consecutive season.
This also gives Jones a chance to make a further assault on the Packers franchise record books. Last season, he passed John Brockington to take over third place on the team’s all-time rushing list with 5,284 yards. The only two players ahead of him now are Hall of Famer Jim Taylor who has gained 8,207 yards with the Packers between 1958 and 1966 and Ahman Green who gained a franchise record 8,322 yards in green and gold between 2000 and 2009.
Jones now needs 3,038 yards to pass Green and become the team’s all-time leading rusher. That would mean three more healthy and productive seasons. It’s a bit of a long shot but it is an outside possibility.
The biggest potential problem with this deal is that once again, the Packers are pushing cap money down the road with void years in the contract that will at some point likely lead to dead cap money coming due.
But for now, the Packers have locked up one of their top offensive weapons and a player who can help whoever the quarterback is going to be move the football consistently. It’s great to see Jones is staying in Green Bay.
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Comments (32)
splitpea1
February 18, 2023 at 12:33 pm
The Packers needed to keep Jones if they had any hopes of contending in the short term, and a side benefit is that there's one less dire need come draft time. But if they didn't retain him, then a rather significant offensive rebuild would have been in order--something which I'm not entirely opposed to, either.
The running game has to dramatically improve in the red zone and short yardage situations. Gute needs to find better run blockers, and MLF needs to do a better job of scheming to make this happen.
Rushing TDs by Jones:
2019: 16
2020: 9
2021: 4
2022: 2
This awful trend needs to be reversed NOW!
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2023 at 02:03 pm
If he goes down the 1st quarter of the first Game, who replaces him? Better draft two guys for the run game and one of them has to challenge Dillon for reps@ the goal line. I expect Dillon to work on his flexibility. His footwork has regressed.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 18, 2023 at 02:07 pm
Jannes,
Going to be interesting to see whether the Pack will want to resign Dillon after 2023. Most likely with Jones contract up but they need to draft another talented RB sooner vs later.
jannesbjornson
February 19, 2023 at 12:28 pm
I would not consider resigning him. I would replace him in 2024. He will have to show more production coming from a number two pick. PR and community work is nice, but it doesn't translate to wins on the field.
13TimeChamps
February 18, 2023 at 06:27 pm
Let's just forget all those receptions/yds/TD's over that time period. I'm not seeing an "awful trend". If, anything, I'm seeing one of the most complete RB's/football" players in the league.
Leatherhead
February 18, 2023 at 07:12 pm
I don't suppose you know how many touches Jones got inside the 10, versus how many passes we threw inside the 10? Some teams try to run it in when they get close, but we'd rather throw it and it's been that way for a long time.
IMO, you put Jones behind a good line, and give him the ball in the redzone .and he'll get it into the endzone quite a bit of the time. I think he could be a 15 TD/game guy.
If you watched the Eagles just keep converting those short yardage sneaks, you have to wonder why we don't do something similar.
splitpea1
February 18, 2023 at 07:57 pm
I wish I knew the answer to the first question.
They definitely need better run blocking from the interior OL in the red zone because they either can't move DLs out of the way or they're allowing penetration. I'm sure you're familiar with those shotgun plays close in....ugh. I appreciate the athletic ability and mobility of our guys, but sometimes you just need maulers.
Minniman
February 18, 2023 at 11:18 pm
I think both PHI and KC have reset that approach LH - it's all the way with Rugby Rolling Maul's on short yardage.
So I think that it's becoming less of a factor of who has the ball in hand, and more of one where they pile through the breach.
Coldworld
February 19, 2023 at 08:34 am
That may not survive the off season as a legal tactic.
jannesbjornson
February 19, 2023 at 12:39 pm
The wide-zone scheme of Shanahan has been studied and countered with fast fill from the LBs and crashing the safeties in front of the traffic provided by the Finesse type linemen. The defenses just attack straight up with bulls and hold position to stop the running game. When it gets to 3rd and long they stunt inside and go with four upfront. What is the LaFleur counter-strategy? Shanahan has it with Aiyuk's deep speed, but not the QB to deliver the ball. Watson and Doubs are going to present a great duo, if they are used correctly.
jannesbjornson
February 19, 2023 at 12:39 pm
whaaa...
jannesbjornson
February 19, 2023 at 12:39 pm
replicant.
croatpackfan
February 18, 2023 at 01:07 pm
As I said, Aaron Jones is the only "expensive" veteran on the O I'm OK with restructuring and keeping him on the roster.
Packers need to go young. To start to build new team, step by step. They have future QB and Packers should build team around him. Nucleus of the team is there, so Packers need to go young on the O.
On D I'll keep Kenny Clark and Jaire (both on their second contract) and let go or trade all other older players who need restructuring or signing new contract.
Thank God Rich B is back.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 18, 2023 at 01:10 pm
I really like Jones & he is a major weapon offensively on a team desperately needing more arrows in their quiver. At his age as a small RB who plays significantly beyond his size I am glad the Packers signed him for only another season. I don't want to see him resigned after the 2023 season. Too expensive & age a negative. Dillon who is a decent RB has his contract expiring after 2023 meaning the Packers need to draft some talented youth at RB in both the 2023 & probably the 2024 drafts. This year, talent at RB is very deep. I'd like to see the Packers pick up a RB anywhere in that 4th or 5th round. I just do not see much talent right now behind the current starters. As I have mentioned before I'd really like to see Gutey be heavy on the offensive side in the draft. For most of the past 30-years we have been fortunate to see the Packers be a very good offensive team & why successful. With the rules slanted heavily towards offense why not invest heavily this year offensively, particularly at skilled positions? At WR there are excellent WR's on the top end. The WR I really want is Quentin Johnston as I believe he is the perfect fit in our offense. I also like Jordan Addison, but the other WR I really like & who is a game changer that no one here at CCTV is talking about is Zay Flowers. The most dynamic player in the draft IMO as a WR & KR. The small water bug player who is extremely shifty and electrifying & who would change the Packers offense injecting excitement as a slot WR & KR. I could also see him playing out of the backfield from time to time like Cobb used to. He also is the type of WR the Packers do not typically draft unfortunately. If you have not watched his video highlights, or those of Josh Downs, or Parker Washingon you should. I could see one of these players being drafted.
At TE there are like 5 extremely talented TE's. This year is deep with Kincaid (my favorite TE along with Musgrave), Musgrave, Mayer, LaPorta, and Washington. Like to see the team take two of them. One early in round 2, and another in round 3 or 4.
Yes, the Packers need another very good OL. I could see it happen either with their first pick in round 1 (I am assuming they will have two picks in round 1) unless Tyree Wilson at Edge is sitting there, or Quentin Johnston. With all the TE talent available this year I'm struggling to see the Packers taking Mayer in round 1.
Yes, a lot of options but wanting Gutey to be heavily offensive minded early to put the Packers back where they belong as an offensive juggernaut. Give Love the supporting cast that can grow with him. Again....if you fans want to have fun....watch Zay Flowers YouTube videos. The guy will have you sitting on the edge of your seats with excitement contemplating him playing in the slot for the Packers.
MainePackFan
February 18, 2023 at 01:23 pm
Knock, check out Tank Dell. That kids got serious juice too.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 18, 2023 at 01:35 pm
Maine,
I have watched him and for a smaller player I like him. He is only 5'8" and 163 lbs with incredible production in 2022 with 109 receptions and 1,398 yards. He too returns kickoffs! Fantastic player! His downside is for a small player he only runs a 4.43 in the 40-yard.
As you know the Packers typically don't draft these smaller players but one of them would sure be fun to have. My preference would be Flowers as he is so fun to watch but he is projected to go in that 15 to 25 spot in round 1. Just cannot see the Packers pulling the trigger on him with all their needs.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2023 at 02:07 pm
Phillip Epps, Perry Kemp, maybe they should adjust their Draft Selection Paradigm.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 18, 2023 at 02:19 pm
LOL!
As I have mentioned my preference is Johnston & Addison, but a guy like Zay or say Tank would fill multiple roles at WR and KR. This would be very important if Nixon isn't resigned. I also don't believe you should want the same type of WR's. There are different skill sets that bring value at different positions.
I could also share off the top of my head Randall Cobb, Robert Brooks, Walter Stanley, and even Donald Driver who wasn't much bigger. Even throw in Aaron Jones who plays RB but a dual threat receiver.
Will add...someone like Zay's skill set is different than those aforementioned WR's, or for that matter different than any WR I have seen on the Packers roster.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 18, 2023 at 01:52 pm
Maine,
I should have also added that a reason I like Zay is he is slightly bigger at 5'9" and 182 lbs vs Tank who is 5'8" and 163 lbs. However, the biggest difference is Zay runs a 4.37 vs Tank at 4.43 in the 40. All those little things I try to evaluate. Now are those 40 times legitimate, or unofficial? Regardless, Tank is a hell of a player & production is production and Tank's production in 2022 was undeniable.
MainePackFan
February 18, 2023 at 03:50 pm
Knock. Tank's burst blows my mind. Obviously his size probably takes him out of Packers consideration, but damn he is twitchy and when he sees a lane there is no hesitation.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 18, 2023 at 04:10 pm
I agree! He is a player & you cannot have enough of those. I would like to see a bigger WR drafted first than one of these smaller shifty WR's to fill a different role than what we currently have on the rostet.
BirdDogUni
February 18, 2023 at 06:13 pm
Andrei Ilosivas 6' 3" 212 lbs 4.29 (Think MVS but better...) (Faster)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 19, 2023 at 12:16 am
Bird,
Last name spelled wrong but looked him up as unfamiliar with him. Plays at Princeton. Appears they do not know what his 40 yard time is but discovered an interesting nugget. He has incredibly small hands. Even smaller than Bo Melton where that was the big knock against him. MVS has really big hands so I was always confused with not being able to catch well. Be interesting to see if Andrei gets drafted.
MainePackFan
February 19, 2023 at 06:35 am
Davante Adams only has 9" hands. Iosivas has 8.6" not a huge difference.
From Draft Buzz,
"Shows good sense as a route runner and provides an enormous catch radius over the middle of the field. He has soft hands and uses his frame effectively to shield defenders, making him a major threat in the red zone."
"Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List - ranked #15. He wrote "In track, he finished fourth in the country in the heptathlon and ran the fastest 60 in NCAA heptathlon history (6.71). Iosivas bench pressed 370 pounds this month and has vertical-jumped 39 inches. His 60-yard dash time would, by his own estimation, translate into a 4.2-something 40, but he points out that it was also out of the blocks and on a track, so maybe not. His position coach, Brian Flinn, predicts when Iosivas goes through the draft process and performs those tests he will “destroy them all."
Sounds pretty good to me :)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 19, 2023 at 11:44 am
MPF,
Maybe Bird Dog is right....could he be a sleeper? I had never heard of the guy so if he truly has elite speed under 4.3 in the 40-yds at 6'3" he may be a true find. I will say Bo Melton had 9" hands and was crucified prior to the draft about the size of his hands. Wondering if the size of hands really make that big of a difference as MVS has something like 10" or 10.5" and we all saw he was a body catcher & struggled catching.
And think......there are some here that are hard on Gutey. LOL! Hitting consistently in the draft is a real crap shoot a lot of the time. Having said that.....Gutey if you are reading....the 2023 draft is going to be critical building on the draft haul of 2022 & not being able to use FA.
MainePackFan
February 19, 2023 at 12:43 pm
Knock,
I think hand size definitely matters more with QB's for obvious reasons. Not that it doesn't matter with receivers, but it isn't the defining criteria. As you said, MVS had 10" hands but he was a body catcher. You watch DA, he plucks the ball away from his body. I don't know if that was the case his first couple of years. Rodgers mentioned the same thing about Doubs being a hands catcher.
I think if Iovisas has a good combine, he will move up draft boards. Time will tell, but he is definitely intriguing.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 19, 2023 at 03:25 pm
Intangibles sound encouraging but frankly his video highlights against teams like Yale did not excite. His highlights for me did not really sparkle & standout that much, particularly against lesser talent.
However, I am keeping an open mind. Contributions like what you & Bird Dog provide make it fun and interesting as I am a draft nerd. Maybe a surprise sleeper! I definitely believe the Packers in the draft need at least one very good WR, and a decent+ WR on day 2. Maybe Lovisas is that day 2, or early day 3 WR? Same goes for TE!
MainePackFan
February 19, 2023 at 05:02 pm
"His highlights for me did not really sparkle & standout that much, particularly against lesser talent."
The same could be said about Watson at last years draft prep. I'm not saying he is Watson, but he certainly has the intangibles that peak my interest.
My TE sleeper is Zack Kuntz. I can hear the crowd now :)
fastmoving
February 18, 2023 at 02:19 pm
The best AAron on the on the Packers at least since 5 years. By far. What a difference on and even more off the field. Glad we have him.
And I bet he is not afraid of planes or science.
BirdDogUni
February 18, 2023 at 06:14 pm
Science that can't be questioned is propaganda...
bjkdad44
February 19, 2023 at 07:19 am
They should have Love to use for running near the end zone… instead of ancient thrower AR….
jannesbjornson
February 19, 2023 at 12:51 pm
A QB Keeper goes all the way to the T-Formation. The more the QB runs, the greater the likelihood of a stripped ball, or an injury. They pay them too much in the NFL to be targets.