Cory's Corner: Aaron Jones Is A No Doubter
The 29-year-old proved his worth during the most critical point in the season.
The value of running backs has fallen below the basement.
But the Packers don’t have a choice — they have to bring back Aaron Jones.
Yessir!
According to Spotrac, Jones has a cap hit of $17.5 million in 2024. The only Packers that are currently scheduled to get higher cap hits than Jones are David Bakhtiari ($39.9 million), Kenny Clark ($27.4) and Jaire Alexander ($23.9).
Jones, 29, proved that he is the engine for this young Packers offense. Matt LaFleur has always wanted a running back as versatile and quick as Jones. The problem was, it never seemed like he was getting enough carries — either because Aaron Rodgers always chose to pass in the RPO or LaFleur was too busy protecting him and his 5-9 frame.
After Jones battled back from a hamstring issue and a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right leg, LaFleur took the restrictor plates off. He tallied five straight 100-yard games and averaged 20.4 carries. Jones is perfect for this offense because he can do so much. He can run between the tackles, he can run outside, he can pass protect, he can catch a screen or swing pass and he can even line up in the slot.
The best part about Jones though, is that he drips being a team player. He is such a team guy that it makes everyone else want to do the same.
“He’s such a great model for what you want your team to be about,” said LaFleur during minicamp this past June. “He backs up anything he says with what he does. His actions are very, very powerful. Great role model for all these younger players for what it means to be a pro.”
So after all that, it’s pretty simple right? It should be. He was scheduled to earn a cap hit of $20 million in 2023 before adjusting his contract and kicking a large portion of his deal down the road. The fifth round pick in the 2017 draft is going to want to get paid and rightfully so. Especially at one of the games most physical positions.
This team is one of the most interesting NFL teams as we enter the offseason. And one of the biggest reasons why is because of Jones. His fast, dynamic style has transformed the Packers from a team that was more reliant on the pass to get big chunk yards to one that can chew up yards in just about any way possible.
Not having Jones on this team would be like going sailing without a sail. He does so much that it was a very real possibility that the Packers could’ve toppled the NFC’s No. 1 seed and had a real shot to advance to the Super Bowl.
That doesn’t happen unless he puts the entire league on notice at the most critical time and proves why he is one of the most dynamic players in the game.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (33)
NickPerry
February 06, 2024 at 06:33 am
Aaron Jones is a Green Bay Packer. He's the epitome of what a Packer is. He's a TEAM first guy and has been since the day he was drafted. Even through the brain farts of Mike McCarthy forgetting to use him even though he's averaging 5.5 YPC. Then some of the same with MLF, and then of course with Aaron Rodgers constantly choosing pass over run in a RPO. He never bitched.
Football is a business. We've all seen it over and over with some of our favorites. Hell, some of the GREATEST to ever play their positions like Charles Woodson was even allowed to go which IMO was one of Teds biggest mistakes ever. Especially when you consider the Packers safeties at that time and Woodson going to Oakland and becoming an All-Pro Safety. What did you think would happen Ted?
Aaron Jones needs to RETIRE a Packer. His pocketbook took a hit last year to make it work. SIGN him to a extension. Spread out that 2024 cap hit and add two more years to the contract. Something tells me Jones will HELP make it work. Something also tells me Jones will make the Packers front office look smart as a result of an extension.
Since'61
February 06, 2024 at 07:00 am
Nick = you beat me to it. I was going to post pretty much the same as you. Bottom line, Aaron Jones is a Packers and should remain a Packer until his retirement. The Packers need to find a way to keep him a Packer.
GPG! Thanks, Since '61
NickPerry
February 06, 2024 at 07:16 am
That's right Since '61...Us "Older Guys" know who's a Packers and who's just visiting for the money. Jones is ALL Green Bay Packer!
LambeauPlain
February 06, 2024 at 08:31 am
In addition to being an IDEAL role model teammate for the youngest team in the NFL, Show Time is also the 2nd best player on the Packers.
I called him the best player at the start last season. Now Jordan is the best player. Not too bad when the best players on your team are the QB and the lead RB in the IOC offense.
MainePackFan
February 06, 2024 at 09:16 am
Since'61,
Aaron Jones might be the only topic we all agree on here at our beloved CHTV. We have to keep him around for that reason alone : )
NickPerry
February 06, 2024 at 10:58 am
Yes we do!
Guam
February 06, 2024 at 08:13 am
Agree with you NP, A. Jones needs to retire a Packer. I see so much Donald Driver in Aaron Jones - both true green and gold Packers to the core. I have a feeling Gute will make something good happen with his contract.
I also think the Packers need to use one of their second or third round draft choices to find another RB. Jones is getting old enough he is unlikely to play a full season due to injury issues and the Packers need a dynamic rushing attack to balance the offense. I don't think Dillon, Wilson or Taylor can fill that roll.
NickPerry
February 06, 2024 at 11:01 am
Totally agree with everything you said Guam... I'm starting to really like Brooks from Texas and Davis from Kentucky. With Brooks though I think they almost have to use a 2nd which I'm not very fond of myself. Davis could be had in the 4th or 5th I think.
I can't wait for the combine!!
Guam
February 06, 2024 at 11:16 am
I like Brooks and I like Blake Corum from Michigan although I wish he were a touch faster. Want to see what his 40 time is at the Combine.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 06, 2024 at 09:02 am
Not only did Jones never complain, he always praised Rodgers despite the reality that Rodgers took the ball out of Jones' hands, a lot. The son of a military man and it shows. Now with all that being said, Jones did still miss half the season which was a big reason for the early season offensive struggles. The lack of availability is a killer especially with his salary and position, which is easily replacable, especially when you consider Jones himself was a 5th round pick. I've been a fan of Jones since before he was even a Packer and would absolutely hate to see him go, but Im bracing myself for Jordy Nelson 2.0. This has all the hallmarks of 2019 when they cut Jordy so they could sign Jimmy Graham. Im not falling for the banana in the tailpipe again.
T7Steve
February 06, 2024 at 07:05 am
i miss the days players mainly stayed on one team. That was so long ago. I think a player should be grandfathered in if he's past his second contract with the same team, but know the players had to agree with this also.
It really starts the end of their careers. As Nick above points out Woodson, he's really an outlier but he was short lived also. Did Jordy's game go downhill because he was let go? Or did the Packers let him go at just the right time? It's not the same if it's a guy who's a free agent after his rookie contract. That's what the union was trying to work for. It just expanded into the guys trying for their third. If a guy's rare enough and good enough to entertain a third or fourth contract, let's give him some slack please.
RCPackerFan
February 06, 2024 at 07:48 am
"Did Jordy's game go downhill because he was let go? Or did the Packers let him go at just the right time?"
Jordy was one of those guys that were let go a year too early rather then a year too late. Rodgers was right in being upset with the move. It was a move that didn't make sense to me honestly. It to me was a flawed decision to let him go. Nelson in GB was going to be better then anywhere else he would have went. His connection with Rodgers was unmatched. It was Manning/Harrison. That is one major reason why they should have kept him.
One major reason why the decision to let him go was flawed was because in 2017 Nelsons numbers suffered mostly because Rodgers broke his collarbone. He had Brett Hundley throwing to him, and he simply wasn't good. They let him go after the season.
In 2018 Nelson had 739 yards receiving and 3 TD's. That would have been 2nd in GB, behind Adams and in front of Graham.
But with Nelson it wasn't just about his ability on the field. It was also his ability in the locker room. He is a role model type of player. You can't just give those guys away.
RCPackerFan
February 06, 2024 at 07:24 am
Jones was probably the most valuable player in GB this year. The offense completely changes when he is on the field. Even though Jones is 29 years old he is the most explosive that he has ever been. I saw this year that he was clocked at the fastest speed of his career. He looked to be playing at another speed this year.
What separates Jones from the other RB's is his speed and vision. He is able to quickly find the tiniest of holes and explode through them. It isn't often that he loses yards. He is a natural fit for the wide zone runs. It allows him to find the lanes. Jones ability as a receiver also adds a ton of value to the offense. Jones is a complete RB as he can run, catch and block well. But its not just his ability on the field that makes a difference. He is a team leader. He is great in the locker room. With a team as young as it is, having his presence there helps immensely. Jones coming back is top priority!
Now Jones will have to work on his contract. They will have to figure something out with that. The cap hit is too high, but that can be easily fixed. And as an aging RB they need to do things to protect him and protect themselves. This year he missed 6 games, and was limited in some others.
So a priority is figuring out some good backups to have behind him. Odds are pretty high that he will get hurt at some point. They need to have someone behind him that has some explosive speed. They can't have such a drop off from Jones to Dillon/Taylor (speed wise). Also they need to add a young RB that can possibly take over for Jones in the future. We don't know how much longer he will be a Packer. When you have aging players its good to have a replacement plan.
I like Wilson overall. Hopefully in year 2 he can take a jump. But they can't count on that. They have to invest into the position. I have no clue if they will bring Dillon back. they need to move on from Taylor though. This is not a strong at the top class for RB's. But there are guys that could come in and make an impact.
Braelon Allen is very intriguing. The Packers like big RB's and he is a big RB. But he has speed and has the ability to make himself small. He can catch the ball well as well. I thought Emani Bailey at the Senior Bowl reminded me a bit of Jones.
They definitely need to add to the RB room this year!
T7Steve
February 06, 2024 at 08:01 am
Another idea (which stems into what we're talking about) is to bring back another lost loved one to spell him and works well with jones. I bet they could get Jammal Williams back on the cheap and he's great in the locker room too. Don't know if the vet minimum is cheap compared to a third day rookie, but I think it'd be worth it.
RCPackerFan
February 06, 2024 at 08:34 am
I have wondered about that too.
For RB Free agents we will have to see who is actually free. But they could decide to go that route. First they could just resign Dillon. Or they could look to go outside the organization. There are a few names that I could see them being interested in, if they hit the market.
How would you feel about Derrick Henry if he became a free agent?
T7Steve
February 06, 2024 at 09:31 am
I'd feel great about Henry as a replacement for Dillon not Jones if he can block as well, but he's really on the downside, I'm sorry to see.
I actually believe Dillon is still the good two punch to Jones. Too bad he was injured towards the end when he was really coming on. I would still like him on a bad weather day in Green Bay where he once proved himself better than Henry.
I've always been guilty of the "bird in the hand" approach. I'd love to keep all our in-house people even when I know it's not possible all or most of the time.
croatpackfan
February 06, 2024 at 11:43 am
Derrick Henry retires! He is done!
Of course he can unretire, but I doubt it will be for vets minimum. He would ask the bank for that!
Untylu1968
February 06, 2024 at 09:27 am
I'm a big Jamaal fan, but why buck the getting younger trend now? Get a good, young, promising back that AJ could mentor..
T7Steve
February 06, 2024 at 09:33 am
That's a good approach too. I think the gems are harder to find and get up to speed than most people, I guess.
Guam
February 06, 2024 at 08:21 am
I agree they need to add to the RB room. Despite being a UW alum and avid Badger fan, I am less intrigued by Braelon Allen than you are. I have this feeling he is not quite shifty enough to be a successful pro RB and his pro career could look more like Ron Dayne's than Jonathon Taylor's. I hope I am wrong about that, but I would rather some team other than the Packers take that risk.
RCPackerFan
February 06, 2024 at 08:40 am
I am not going to say that Allen will be the next Derrick Henry or anything. But I believe he would be an upgrade to Dillon. I like Dillon but he wasn't the RB in the pros that he was in college. I believe Allens skills will translate better.
There are some specific plays that I saw with Allen that I think translates really well to the NFL. He has some major flexibility for a guy his size. I remember this one run for example. The defensive player went about as low as he could go to try and tackle his legs. Allen went lower. Allen is like 6'2ish. It was impressive at how low he could get.
Allen is a very good blocking RB and in GB's offense that is a must. He also has good hands and can be used in the passing game.
Taylor is UW's best RB to come out in my life. I wanted GB to draft him, and I was all for them trading for him this season.
Guam
February 06, 2024 at 09:38 am
Allen is big, fast, has good hands as a receiver and is a willing and effective blocker. My eyes also tell me he doesn't have a quick change of direction or ability to make tacklers miss which I think is THE key component of a successful modern day RB. I hope I am wrong about that and his three cone time at the Combine makes me eat my words.
I would much rather you be right than me on this one RC, but I can't tell my eyes to see something they don't. I always want Badgers to succeed at the next level. Time will tell.
T7Steve
February 06, 2024 at 09:38 am
Don't you think he'd be a tossup with Ron Dane while in school for being the best? Unless he was before your time if you're a youngster.
Like Dillon, his talent didn't show at the pro level like Taylor's.
Guam
February 06, 2024 at 10:02 am
Unfortunately, I graduated long before Ron Dayne attended UW. I was a contemporary of Rufus Ferguson if you go back that far.
And yes, I do think Dayne and Allen have many similarities although Allen is a much better receiver and blocker than Dayne ever was. I think it is a toss up between Melvin Gordon and JT for the best UW back I ever saw.
And yes, I fear Allen's pro career might look like Dayne's or Dillon's. Which would be too bad, because Allen, like Dayne and Dillon, is a good guy.
jannesbjornson
February 06, 2024 at 10:42 am
Fumbling issues.
WD
February 06, 2024 at 10:37 am
For the record, both Jones and Dillon ran decent but not exceptional 4.5 forties in the combine. Jones to his credit has the incredible quickness that makes him great. Dillon's style is more of a Ramming Bull style. As a result Dillon needs at least a some daylight in the O-line to gain yardage. Hence as our O-line improved last year; so did Dillon. I have always thought they make a great duo. Both were injured and missed games last season. That said, Jones is a young 29. Young for a man; but old for a running back in the NFL. I think it would be wise to draft a premier RB in round three. Looking at various mock drafts the top two RB's Blake Corum and Jonathon Brooks will be there. They will be gone before round four. Opinions vary but those two RB's seem to be the favorites. Personally , I wouldn't mind taking both in the third round. Particularly if Dillon signs elsewhere. If not, the kid from Wisconsin (Allen) could drop to the 4th or 5th round and would be a steal. But..... this is why they pay Gute the big bucks. Moreover, he is damn good at what he does.
LambeauPlain
February 06, 2024 at 08:53 am
There have been some great RBs in Green and Gold. Aaron is not only right there as a player...as a leader you win games with men like him in the game. He is one of, perhaps will be the best runner in Packer lore.
His injury history is unfortunate but RBs get hurt...especially when you run to daylight the way Jonesy does. He leaves nothing on the field. If he can play...dings and pains are disregarded and he on the field.
Opposing teams have to devote serious game planning prep for Aaron Jones.
Jones knows the team wants him back. He will get paid, and he should be. And I expect he will be reasonable.
And the last few $million on the K seem not to be as important to him as other players...too many who see the money as the priority, the bragging rights.
Aaron Jones seems much more driven for yards, first downs, wins, a winning team, the playoffs, and a Lombardi.
Spock
February 06, 2024 at 11:45 am
I thought Gutey made it clear that they will work to keep A.J. for at least next year. He drives the team when he's in there! That said, the Packers need to draft some RB's for the future in this comiing draft.
Spock
February 06, 2024 at 11:32 am
off topic but this just reported: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-the-packers-have-hired-a-new...
The packers have hired Vince Oghobaase to be the team’s next defensive line coach
Spock
February 06, 2024 at 11:40 am
Oghobaase and Hafley were together on the '49ers before both worked together at Boston College
Spock
February 06, 2024 at 12:46 pm
Packers also hired Anthony Campanile as line backers coach (has been this position with the Dolphins last four years).
croatpackfan
February 06, 2024 at 11:51 am
There is not much to add to what many pointed out.
I will just add that if you have employee who is loyal, doing great work and give example to younger colleagues, you should do whatever you can to keep him on the team!
T7Steve
February 06, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Yes.
I'm reminded of my old moto when playing.
"I may be small but I'm slow." That's not original to me but it worked. Now I have to make it. "I may be small but I'm old and slow."
I think if they can get Jones to retirement in Green Bay, the Packers will have something for the youngsters to hope, try for and believe possible. Talking Jordan Love, WRs and TEs.