Aaron Jones Released from Packers; What's Next for El Paso's RB?

In a surprise twist ahead of the start of NFL free agency, Green Bay announced the signing of former Raiders running back Josh Jacobs and released UTEP's all-time leading rusher and seven-year veteran Aaron Jones on Monday.

This came as a surprise since all signs between the Packers and Jones' agency indicated that they were restructuring his deal for the 2024 season. Jones was in the final year of a four-year deal that was set to pay him $12 million in 2024. He accepted a $5 million pay cut last year.

However, the Packers had both uncertainties behind the scenes with Jones and pending free agent running back AJ Dillon. Releasing Jones will free up $5.2 million of cap space and create $12 million in dead money for Green Bay, according to OverTheCap.com. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also reported that there's still an outside chance Jones sign back in Green Bay.

The Burges graduate, who is now 29, is a former fifth-round pick out of the 2017 draft. He finished the 2023 season with 656 yards on 4.6 yards per carry and two touchdowns, along with 233 receiving yards in 11 games played. Jacobs had the worst season of his five-year career, totaling 805 rushing yards on 3.5 yards per carry in 13 games played.

Jones will end his Green Bay run with a whopping 5.0 yards per carry average over the 97 games played. He rushed for 5,940 yards over seven seasons at Green Bay and totaled 63 touchdowns and 2,076 receiving yards.

Where could El Paso's own land up?

Cowboys

Jones has feasted against Dallas in the past. He racked up 118 yards and scored a whopping three touchdowns in the Packers' playoff win at Dallas this past season. Jones holds the record for most rushing yards per game against Dallas at 123 yards, surpassing legends like Barry Sanders (119) and Walter Payton (115).

Plus, Dallas just saw their previous RB1 in Tony Pollard sign with Tennessee on Monday. There's a void that needs to be filled here.

Ravens

Baltimore is facing their own questions at the running back position this offseason. Their leading rusher Gus Edwards is expected to sign elsewhere. J.K. Dobbins can't stay healthy on their squad. They need a true number one running back to pair alongside Lamar Jackson.

Here's where Jones could fit in. Plus, the family has ties to Baltimore, as Alvin Jr. played for the Ravens in training camp and preseason upon his graduation from UTEP.

Chargers

Austin Ekler is out in Los Angeles and Jim Harbaugh is in as their new head coach. Instead of wasting a draft pick trying to land a young running back, how about pairing talented quarterback Justin Herbert with a veteran leader like Jones? Herbert used Ekler in the run and pass game, something that Jones is all too used to.

Texans

If the Cowboys don't elect to sign Jones, what about the other trendy Texas team? Rookie quarterback sensation C.J. Stroud had a carousel of running backs in 2023 in the backfield. Not to mention the fact that Devin Singletary is a free agent this year. What about offering some stability in the backfield with a leader in Jones, who could help Stroud and the offense get back to the playoffs?