Losing Aaron Jones Goes Beyond Statistics for the Packers
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers failed to reach an agreement with running back Aaron Jones earlier this week. One day after the Pack released Jones, he signed with the division rival Minnesota Vikings.
While there were legitimate reasons for the Packers to ask Jones to take a pay cut and then to move on from him after he refused, the loss of Jones will be felt by the Packers both on and off the field.
On the field, Jones was the catalyst of the Packers offense for the better part of his time in Green Bay. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season three times and finished his tenure in Green Bay as the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher with 5,940 yards. Only Ahman Green and Hall of Famer Jim Taylor have more.
Jones finished his Packers career with 20 games of 100-or-more yards rushing. It is hardly a surprise the Packers went 18-2 in those games. How often in recent seasons did we hear head coach Matt LaFleur tell the media they needed to get the football to Jones more often to make the offense go? Whenever the head coach got away from giving Jones his touches, the Packers offense often struggled.
The 2023 campaign was a challenging one for Jones. He suffered a hamstring injury while scoring his second touchdown of the game against the Bears in the season opener. Injuries cost him six full games and had him limited on a play count on at least half a dozen more.
But late in the season, when he was finally healthy, Jones showed he could still be a difference maker even at the “ancient” age of 29. He gained 100 or more yards in his last five games as a Packer. That included three must-win, late season games for the Pack to get into the playoffs and then the team’s two postseason games. He ran for 118 yards and three touchdowns in the Packers 48-32 win over the Cowboys in the opening playoff game and followed that up with 108 yards and a two-point conversion in the 24-21 loss to the 49ers the following week.
But Jones’ talents on the field went beyond just running the football. For four straight seasons, the former UTEP star caught more than 40 passes in a season. That included a career-high 59 catches in 2022. Getting the ball to Jones in space was always dangerous for opposing defenses. He added 18 touchdown catches in the regular season over his career.
Jones also worked hard to make himself a good blocker. Despite his lack of size at 5’9” and 208 pounds, he excelled at blitz pickups and learned the proper technique for blocking much bigger men who were coming at him with a full head of steam trying to get to his quarterback.
Early in his career, Jones learned that pass protection was a highly valued skill for running backs in Green Bay and that if he wanted to be on the field, he had to improve in this area. He did that and then some.
Jones also provided the Packers with leadership. Last season, the team was very young, especially at the offensive skill positions. Jones always showed discipline and worked hard and led by example.
The most telling evidence of this was caught by an NFL Films camera on the Packers sideline during the playoff win in Dallas. Rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed was overheard telling Jones, “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.” Hearing another player tell Jones how inspired he was by the veteran back was telling.
Jones was also involved in the Green Bay community and was involved in charity work. He was close with his family and fans throughout Packers Nation felt for him when he lost his father to Covid in 2021.
The old adage in football is that it’s always better to let a player go a year too early than a year too late. The Packers made a difficult decision when it came to Jones and based on his intangibles, it may not have been the right one.
GM Brian Gutekunst signed a capable replacement in Josh Jacobs who is three years younger than Jones and is also an effective receiver in addition to being dangerous as a runner.
But Jones will be missed on and off the field. His legacy in Green Bay goes beyond statistics. As soon as he is eligible, he will be headed to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
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You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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Comments (147)
Bitternotsour
March 14, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Things change. There'll be new people who are effective on and off the field and whose legacies will extend beyond football. Roster churn is inevitable. Jones made a choice. He too knew this day was coming.
bjkdad44
March 14, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Excellent commentary!!
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 01:49 pm
That’s how I see it too Bitter. We all loved Jones; I loved many of our former players and coaches, but we know how it works.
Brewcity_BearsFan
March 14, 2024 at 02:28 pm
Unpopular opinion....Aaron Jones wasn't responsible for the poor state of Green Bay's salary cap, the front office was. Aaron Jones was however, the scapegoat for it. Took a pay cut last year, and was rewarded with the request to take an even bigger pay cut now.
The Packers got a great back to replace him, but the team and fans will miss Jones most, when Jacobs is asked to block.
Bitternotsour
March 14, 2024 at 02:35 pm
not so much an unpopular opinion, just a poorly considered one.
EnemyTerritory
March 14, 2024 at 03:24 pm
Jones was one of my favorite Packers ever. However, like my favorite roadster Jones was a depreciating asset. Five or six years down the line I wasn’t going to be able to take my nicked up vehicle to the dealer or private market and demand top dollar. Further it was often in the shop and not available for my road-trips. The cold hard truth is that his cap hit was out of whack with the market. Had he not taken a haircut last year this conversation would have been a year ago coming off a season that almost everyone thought was the precursor to a few years out of the playoffs. Oddly enough, David Bahk was a potential HOF left tackle and stand up guy. He might play again for several years. Should he have been kept at his cap hit?
Brewcity_BearsFan
March 14, 2024 at 06:04 pm
I don't think Jones and Bahktiari's situations are similar.
Bhaktiari earned his deal, and unfortunately got hurt. Not the first time that has happened. Won't be the last. Until I see him sign, and actually take the field, I am of the opinion he will not pay again.
Coldworld
March 15, 2024 at 09:25 am
Bakh may play again, but the question will always be there from one game to the next. Some team may take a flyer on that, probably due to an injury later in the summer or season of their own that makes the gamble of good but physically unreliable, seem better than what’s available and healthy. Whether Bakh wants to play for that contract remains to be seen.
MainePackFan
March 14, 2024 at 08:18 pm
Thank you, Gil, for writing an article honoring Aaron Jones that doesn't tow the company line. I find the speed of which some in this room have turned on him to be disturbing. I have no issue with signing Jacobs, I think he will be a very good addition. Even better if he was combined with Jones.
I do not think Gutekunst made this team better by releasing him. There is reason to believe, for 2M guaranteed instead of the "he's going to be 30 by the end of the season" approach, he could have kept him.
If any team should give Jones the benefit of the doubt, it should be the Packers. Perhaps there are medicals that we the average fan are not aware of. If so, I will tip my cap to the decision, tough as it may be. If that's the case, the Vikings medicals will expose it.
Brian Gutekunst told us he wanted Aaron Jones back. Most of us assumed it was a done deal. Apparently Gutekunst assumed that Jones would be fine with less than 4M guaranteed. Apparently, the dude still needs to earn it.
At the end of the day, I get the Aaron Rodgers/Davante Adams/David Bahktiari etc. decisions. Aaron Jones is a different situation and should still be playing for this team.
Gutekunst may be right, I hope he is right, and I am wrong. Either way, best wishes Aaron Jones, and thank you for all you did. GPG!!!!
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 12:16 pm
You definitely got the caption right.
And you got everything right in your Comment.
And with all the Gutey worshipers on this site.
He was replaceable. He was electric. Period.
But -
If were in the hunt for the Super-bowl.
This was a major mistake to let him go.
The market was 10 mil for our cast-off WR.
Players that never made the impact of Jones.
If we rotate WRs and the goal is the Super-Bowl.
Jones should have been a Packer.
(per Rotation)
Bitternotsour
March 14, 2024 at 12:19 pm
Two to tango. Jones made a choice in this - he chose not to renegotiate. The door was open, he chose to close it. Blame whomever you choose, but don't for a moment believe that Jones had no options or agency.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 12:20 pm
The Low -Balling won't win a super-Bowl.
The Vikings got a Bargain
Bitternotsour
March 14, 2024 at 02:37 pm
It's true "low-balling" won't win a super bowl, but BIG BALLING will. Fortunately we have a GM who is sporting a huge pair.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 01:16 pm
And You don't know that!
dblbogey
March 14, 2024 at 04:05 pm
Uh oh, he's getting angrier.
MainePackFan
March 14, 2024 at 08:47 pm
Two to tango? That's true. Apparently, you think the only choice belonged to Jones. All he had to do was accept backup running back money with the opportunity to prove himself with some incentives that none of us are privy to.
Blame whoever you choose, but don't believe for a moment that the Packers couldn't have retained him for 2M more guaranteed.
bjkdad44
March 14, 2024 at 12:30 pm
I agree with you 100% stockholder!!!
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 12:33 pm
There's no way to know until after the season's over. One might do better than the other, or Jacobs and Jones might both play lights out for 17 games.
OP is a fitting farewell, for a legend. He will be missed.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 14, 2024 at 12:38 pm
We'll see how long Jones lasts. He was never a bell cow RB and he's been on a pitch count for years. Meanwhile Jacobs is someone who has been relied on as THE guy. He's basically done for the Raiders offense what Jones has done for GB, but done it with less threats around him. By all accounts he's a great locker room guy, was a team captain last year at age 26. Time will tell who has a better season (or two). What if Jones has a better season in MIN this year? Does that mean it was the wrong thing? We won't know. What if Jacobs leads a running attack that gets GB to the super bowl in '25 or '26? He's almost 4 years younger than Jones.
Only time will tell, but there are clear reasons for not paying a premium for Jonesy when his production in '23 was almost cut in half from his production in '22.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 01:09 pm
By all accounts, And what ifs.
Your comparing. I'm Not!
I'm saying you want as many weapons as
you can get, for a super-Bowl run.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 14, 2024 at 02:49 pm
That's exactly what they did! Got a younger RB one year removed from leading the entire league in rushing. That's a weapon right there!
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 01:53 pm
Exactly right Westcoast.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 02:27 pm
Exactly Wrong-
Oh so - the ring doesn't matter.
Only Money.
And turn-over of the roster.
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 04:26 pm
You were expecting a ring this year with Love at QB? That’s quite a turn around in affections and outlook. A secret optimist after all.
Cheer up, Jones may be better or worse than Jacobs this year, but you can’t say Jacobs has achieved any less in his career. You never know, maybe a decent offense and Love at QB take him to new heights.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 04:44 pm
Im a Packer fan.
Jacobs I hope- is good this year.
But I'm Not comparing RBs.
And thats what is happening here.
The comparison of Jones vs Jacobs.
I compared salary to Wrs.
Aren't Wrs weapons?
WAS JONES NOT A WEAPON!???
Why couldn't They afford Jones too.
They cut a lot of Salary where they could.
I
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2024 at 09:34 am
It may sound cynical, but he had his chance in the NFCCH Game @ Home in '21.
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 01:51 pm
Stock—He coulda/shouda stayed.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 02:20 pm
Ok - Lets say that cap was at 17 mil.
The past practice is to kick the can down the road.
Also a lot of turning that into a Bonus etc.
Even renegotiating the contract.
The thought he signed for 6 mil on a 1 year contract.
Suggests this was a low Balling.
Especially after they knew how he changed this offense
upon returning.
You can't get away from that.
The my way or the Highway was obvious!
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2024 at 09:38 am
What was obvious is the fact, Gutedkunst did not have a competent backup RB in place when A.Jones went to the Infirmary.
Cheezehead72
March 14, 2024 at 02:28 pm
Jones is at the age where most RBs are a shell of their former self. Chances are he will not last too many more years. It is better to get rid of a player a year early than a year late.
I like Jones and always have. I will admit I said we should keep Williams over Jones a few years ago but that was just due to the higher contract it would take to keep Jones. I am glad I was wrong.
Keeping Jones does not guarantee that we will make the SB in the next year or two. How many years did we not make the SB when we had Rodgers.
Jacobs is a good pick up and we got a younger possibly more powerful RB for a good contract. This contract has only 12.5 mil in guarantees.
I am behind Jacobs now that he is on the team. And I hope Jones has two bad games next year and of course that is when they play the Packers.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 02:37 pm
He got hurt -
If getting hurt is a shell of himself.
Don't draft players with past injuries.
Or even sign them- (Jacobs?)
Cheezehead72
March 14, 2024 at 02:57 pm
I guess you were sleeping during critical reading. I typed that he is at the age where most RB become a shell of themselves. At 30 the mileage catches up. We need players for the future not the next year.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 03:42 pm
Or you changed it.
Past arguments of age, injuries,
don't hold up.
The Draft is for the "future" and Cap Concerns.
You get players for Help.
Fact - Why was Jones released after the signing!
What makes a Rookie better than Dillion?
Point: Gute is replacing his poorest picks.
Stabilizing the roster is priority One.
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 04:37 pm
I will say this, from watching and stats. Jacobs has been in every way better than Dillon. Even if Jones remained, we needed to be looking to draft someone to replace him. We still do. We already replaced Dillon but with a number one back. In some senses, that’s the more logical balance of types anyway.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 05:02 pm
Don't compare Backs.
Thats Not what this is about.
It's about kicking the can down the road.
And then kicking them off the team.
And forcing your will on them.
Instead of putting the TEAM in the best position to WIN!
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 06:56 pm
Well Dillon is back apparently. Strange days.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 07:29 pm
No it isn't. Not after Jones.
He had to bring him back.
But there is an old saying-
You get what you pay for.
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Why exactly does he have to bring back Dillon because Jones left? We all know Dillon is no surrogate Jones.
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2024 at 09:54 am
Dillon still has to make the squad. I want a true competition in Summer Session with a couple of drafted RBs. Get faster.
Cheezehead72
March 15, 2024 at 05:38 am
Are you calling me dishonest. No I did not change it. Now prove it. If you accuse someone of being dishonest you better have proof.
stockholder
March 15, 2024 at 06:20 am
Or was used.
If you didn't, you didn't.
My bad for reading too much into it
And even responding to you.
Have a nice day.
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2024 at 09:51 am
If he drafted Bijan Robinson last draft, what would be the verdict? This draft has three-four guys who have wiggle and know the New Game. Gutey best draft two of them and not rely on the scrap heap or UDFAs. See if this guy can move up for Q. Mitchell, or DeJean? He's in Year Seven. He's the guy with the pressure to deliver a Lombardi.
You do not want a Pittsburgh scenario to happen in Cheeseland.
stockholder
March 15, 2024 at 10:11 am
Verdict - A 1 & 2 punch. Isn't that what we're looking for now?
The recent money he paid to a RB, changes his draft.
There isn't a franchise RB. And even a starter before rd 3.
It's 1 contract and done, for most of theses backs.
Oh; you'll get younger, but not better. No tape stands out!
Gute Blows picks.
So if he takes a RB. WE all get to thank Jesus.
And Crown him master overall the Gurus. .
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2024 at 11:50 am
He still would not pay Jones the jing with the replacement on the roster. Look for a Dorsey Levens, Ryan Grant guy like Schneider did with Charbonnet last draft. I would still go for the guy who dominates wide-zone and can cut-back on a dime like Bucky Irving. Straight line speed is for for the drag strip. I agree, Rds Three and Five. The guys like Pacheco are the result of a top-tier Personnel Dept. Veach just gave Andy Reid more speed outside with Hollywood Brown. The Super bowl hero, Hardman goes to free agency. A game of replacement. MVS ? Maybe Mc Carthy wants him.
Packers0808
March 14, 2024 at 02:47 pm
Were you born into negativity or develop that lovely trait all by yourself?
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 03:44 pm
I don't see it as negativity.
I see it is a voice of clarity.
CheesedDeadHead
March 14, 2024 at 04:06 pm
So did Charles Manson
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 04:13 pm
Nice - Such a impartial stand.
packer132
March 14, 2024 at 06:42 pm
Look in the mirror. Most of the Packer fans look at both sides, though you never see the other side (management). You criticize Gute for every move he makes. He moved on from your man Rodgers and got to the playoffs with a first-time starter and rookie WR's and TE's. All you can do is criticize him. I will take Gute over any GM in the NFL. Packers have the 2nd best record in recent years and are not in a rebuild like other teams (Patriots, etc.) but a reload. I am PUMPED for the 2024 Green Bay team, though you choose to pick at minutiae. SMH.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 07:19 pm
“Your loyalties are on the wrong side of the future."
I now find Gute a Amoral General manager.
You need to accept that and deal with it.
I shall cheer the 2024 team no matter what.
But ass kissing isn't what I consider a good Fan.
This has been a unbalanced struggling team since 2010.
Coldworld
March 15, 2024 at 03:05 am
Player has an unrealistic contract. Both sides know it. Players side cuts off negotiations before the deadline. What does any GM do worth his salt? Finds plan B.
If The parties stayed talking, that might have led to some movement. Typically most of that comes down close to the wire in any such negotiation as long as there is mutual interest. However, the reports have Rosenhaus playing hard ball.
Based on decades leading negotiations, my gut is Rosenhaus bluffed. The Vikings were the best and only fall back he had. He expected the Packers to fold and over pay. They held firm, he lost, his client gets marginally more in a new system on a likely worse team where he’s going to have to carry the team not just be explosive.
Rosenhaus blew it for his client in my view, and got little more for it if anything. We can’t know for sure, because we don’t have the audio or communications, but look at the parameters and outcome and I’d bet on this scenario being closer to the truth.
stockholder
March 15, 2024 at 06:52 am
Why is it always the players Fault here.?
A contract is a contract.
Let's not read between the lines.
These contracts are never based on profits.
Jones was going to lose money no matter what.
The money No longer was the issue with Jones.
It's why players ask to be traded.
It's why players hold out.
It's why Free Agency started.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 14, 2024 at 07:43 pm
He just loves drama. Probly why he loved Rodgers so much.
Coldworld
March 15, 2024 at 03:10 am
Change averse, individually focused. It’s tough being a fan of players over teams sometimes. It happens but the key is players are all finite and none last forever. Being attached to a player more than the team almost always brings heartache and irrationality when viewed from a team first perspective. Final Driver is the sole recent exception I can think of who was always a Packer and always a Packer person.
pantz_bURp
March 14, 2024 at 12:19 pm
I love #33. Always have, always will.
I am a Packer fan and with that, I will back the Pack (and hold judgement about if this is the right decision or not).
Gute is getting ready for the NFL DRAFT baby! He has "Oh Yeah" by Yello cued up and working on his Floss dance.
We will be fine, just shedding some skin. HEY, reminds of that snappy lil' tune called Sneaky Snake by Tom T Hall. Can't beat that as a kid with a fishing pole in one hand and a grape Jolly Good in the other with the hairless legs a danglin' off the pickup tailgate
R-E-L-O-A-D
We are finer than the armpit hair of a leopard frog.
Yip cabbage,
Pantz
Coach Cleve Steamer
March 14, 2024 at 12:22 pm
At least 10 games in a covered stadium.
bjkdad44
March 14, 2024 at 12:32 pm
Is that bad or good for him?…
Coach Cleve Steamer
March 15, 2024 at 08:56 am
Who knows? The turf, hammie and knee might do him in. He’s got moves and vision and might do very well in Minnie. He’s a 1year hire. But the comfort of being out of the weather might help him. Oh wait, he won’t be playing past.December anywhere.
mnbadger
March 14, 2024 at 12:58 pm
The turf may be his ultimate demise. We've lost more than one player to serious injury in the dome.
Wish 33 nothing but the best personally but abject failure in his future professional endeavors!
GPG!
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 01:54 pm
So what…?
Cheezehead72
March 14, 2024 at 02:31 pm
And DARNald as his QB.
bjkdad44
March 14, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Now what do I do with my recently acquired Aaron Jones jersey????
WD
March 14, 2024 at 12:47 pm
Keep it and wear it proud. He was the greatest pure RB in Packer history
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 04:39 pm
That I think is a reach.
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 05:02 pm
Taylor
Hornung
Green
Jones
mnbadger
March 14, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Sell it to me!
TKWorldWide
March 14, 2024 at 01:24 pm
Or change the first 3 to a 6 and get on the Rasheed Train, baby!
crayzpackfan
March 14, 2024 at 01:38 pm
I would rather have a Jones jersey as a Packer than that purple, Barney colored, monstrosity.
Alberta_Packer
March 14, 2024 at 02:04 pm
Have A.J. sign it - at his induction into the GBP Hall of Fame ceremony.
Bitternotsour
March 14, 2024 at 02:43 pm
Hope they sign another Jones who chooses to wear 33?
Packers0808
March 14, 2024 at 02:49 pm
Dye it purple.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 14, 2024 at 07:44 pm
Frame it and hang it on the wall of the mancave
NoNonsense
March 14, 2024 at 08:25 pm
Get some purple spray paint or dye...
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 10:09 pm
Wear it.
golfpacker1
March 14, 2024 at 12:38 pm
Aaron Jones was a helluva gift for the Packers being picked in the 5th round. And he gave us some really good years of RB production. Hopefully we get as lucky in this years draft.
The 4-year contract he signed in 2021 was the first mistake. 4 years @ $12 million per was pretty steep. The practice of backloading these contracts to make more cap room now is a killer for teams. These days every team is paying money to players for years to come, and they aren't even on the team. We are no different.
What sucks is it looks, feels, and is perceived like GB treated Jones, who was a great Packer and a good person, like he was not valued. When the real truth is this was just a business decision. A tough one but one that had to be made.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 14, 2024 at 12:43 pm
GB had to do that contract that you say was the first mistake. If they wanted to keep Jones, they had to pay him, like they have all the most talented guys. It's pretty fully expected that those contracts won't all be played through the entire term of the deal. Pushing money out is the cost of remaining competitive in the NFL. Would you rather we go back to the Ted Thompson method of tightly controlling the salary cap, never getting true free agent talent like Preston Smith, Z Smith, and McKinney? Teams that have a lot of talent win games and they pay a lot of money to the talented players. That's why so many guys get cut at the beginning of the league year.
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 01:56 pm
That’s right Westcoast—you gotta have the horses.
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 01:55 pm
Yep—Business.
WD
March 14, 2024 at 12:42 pm
I have grieved this shocking loss all week. Jones was arguably the greatest RB in Packer history and I grew up under Jimmy Taylor. But...... it's time to move on. The impact of this loss will not be known until the end of the season. No doubt Gute will be second guessed on this one for a long time. I hope for the sake of the Packers this does not come back to haunt us. That said, I am cautiously optimistic. Moving on, we have some great picks in the draft and frankly I would feel a lot better if we use our first pick on a RB like Trey Benson (if he is still on the board after his fantastic combine) at 25. Jacobs will be the thunder we want and Benson can be the complimentary lighting. If Gute does this I will forgive him. That said, I like the signing of Xavier McKinney.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 14, 2024 at 12:45 pm
You can only be haunted if you live in hindsight. Do you do that in your personal life? Gnashing of teeth over a decision you made that you believed was the best choice at that time? That's what fans do constantly with Gutey, complain only in hindsight that a move was the wrong one, when they have more info that wasn't available when the decision was made.
crayzpackfan
March 14, 2024 at 01:28 pm
WD - Trey Benson will be on the board way past the 25th pick. I don't agree with your picking a RB with our 1st pick either. Jeepers. we need to look hard at OT, G, LB, CB first then look for value at RB and again Safety. what happened in FA, IMO, changes the draft board at least a little, if not moderately. Again, to your point, I would not consider a RB pick until rounds 3-5.
golfpacker1
March 14, 2024 at 02:15 pm
Benson will still be on the board when we pick @ #58. Picking him @ #25 would be the biggest overreach in draft history. He is a long way away from being as good as the RB the Falcons picked last year.
Bitternotsour
March 14, 2024 at 02:46 pm
Wait. A bigger overreach than trading up for Mitch Trubisky? That's monumental.
golfpacker1
March 14, 2024 at 03:49 pm
Well, that's the Bears though Bitter. They are in a whole different category by themselves because they are an overreach calling themselves an NFL team.
WD
March 14, 2024 at 03:19 pm
I remember when the Packers chose an O-lineman over Barry Sanders. The worst move the Packers ever made. Priorities are RB, ILB, Safety in rounds 1and 2 (not necessarily in that order) Then In round three address O-line. Frankly, by the end of the year our O-line was excellent in case you didn't notice. Also RB Jaymir Gibbs went early in the first round last year to Detroit who already had Montgomery. Is it too much to ask we have a better running game than Detroit? On top of that we face Jones again with the Vikings. Do you think he will be motivated? What do we do when Jacobs get injured? He missed four weeks last year. I'll tell you . We become one dimensional. Further Benson might make it to 41 as a steal but will definitely be gone at 58.
golfpacker1
March 14, 2024 at 04:01 pm
WD, as much as I like the idea of trading back, especially if a QB drops to #25 and we can fleece someone, I will be really surprised if we don't have to make a choice on 1 of 3 Top O-lineman. I think at least Power-Johnson , King Sua, and maybe Fautanu could be staring us right in the face. That will be a tough choice.
I think the interior OL is a slightly bigger need than OT. And definitely more of a need @ RB.
RB is not as big of need now that we have Jacobs so why don't we fill the bigger needs first. I honestly don't think Benson is much better than about 5 RBs we can get @ #88, including Isaac Guerendo. Who hasn't had any knee surgeries.
I agree Benson is the first RB picked, but we need OL, S, and whichever LB we want the most. That would be Top 10 OL, Top 2 Safety, and Top 3 LB. And the last 2 groups are thin. RB is not where we are picking.
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 07:10 pm
We don’t have enough ILBs IOL or safeties to start the season. That’s a pretty strong need since the cupboards are currently pretty bare in FA.
With Dillon back, I predict we don’t take a RB till day 3. Maybe not at all till UDFA. With the resigning of Nixon covering kick returns, I could see us not taking a WR either unless very late. This is going to be an atypical draft for us.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 10:17 pm
Wait, Dillon's back?!?
Alberta_Packer
March 14, 2024 at 07:36 pm
I think that with Dillon's return - it reduces the Packers from selecting a running back from 2 picks to 1. If so, a lighter - speed RB would complement the running back group - so identifying Jalen Wright / Trey Benson / Marhawn Lloyd / Isaac Guerendo as possibilities. All could be available in the 75 - 100 range.
BobWellhoefer
March 14, 2024 at 03:30 pm
The greatest RB in Packer history? Talk about an absurd statement ..
GregC
March 14, 2024 at 04:29 pm
Not absurd at all. Jones would not be my pick, but he is at least in the conversation. He ranks 3rd in Packers history in rushing yards, fifth in receiving yards by an RB, and first in receiving TDs by an RB. But the biggie is that his average yards per carry of 5.0 is the best in franchise history for a player with 500 or more carries. Too bad he couldn't stick around another year to add to those career totals and pursue a championship.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 10:13 pm
I don't care who the RB is, if you don't improve the O line it's all a waste.
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 11:15 pm
More so without Jones. Jones could get more with little help than almost anyone. There’s going to need to be a significant improvement in run blocking and probably some adjustments to philosophy if this group is going to meet its potential.
SinceLombardi
March 15, 2024 at 06:14 am
Aaron Jones had some good years as a Packer. But in terms of all time greats he will never mean to this franchise what Jimmy Taylor meant.
It’s not even close. You could argue that Taylor was the most important offensive player of the Lombardi era.
Jones could dominate a game and was a great guy with a few excellent seasons. But Taylor is one of the top 15 players in team history.
splitpea1
March 14, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Change is inevitable. As Ryan Grant tweeted regarding the matter, loyalty is nonexistent in the NFL. I can understand both sides: Jones and his agent scoffing at a 50% pay cut after a productive career and a strong finish to the season, and Gute understanding the market and wanting to get younger with another proven back in Jacobs. Time will tell whether or not Gute made the right decision, but I don't think you can fault his logic.
While the Aaron Jones nostalgia is going to be lingering around for a while, let's give Jacobs the chance to win us over with his combination of speed and power. He may not be immediately the fan and crowd favorite that Jones was, but I'm sure he's not a bad guy, either.
CheesedDeadHead
March 14, 2024 at 03:37 pm
" loyalty is nonexistent in the NFL"
Loyalty is nonexistent at any employer. I am so glad I am past the days when I was met with the corporate treatment of "so, what have you done for me today"!!! Well, I brought in those big contracts this year... "That was yesterday".
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 10:19 pm
I've watched a lot of Jacobs highlights, and I'm welcoming him to GB!
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 14, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Losing Jones mainly hurt because he closed out the season so well, and because Gutey seemed to promise he would be back. Oh well, they differed in their valuations. I for one am happy that Gutey sets a price and then doesn't go above that, because that's what gives him the ability to build the roster the way he sees fit. In time, this difficult decision might be hailed as a great choice for GB. Only time will tell whether each RBs production matches the salaries they were given.
But I have a lot of respect for Gutey for making difficult choices when you KNOW he'd rather have Jones back in uniform. So far, most of the decisions to let go of players due to age/cost have not looked poor in hindsight. The only losses that didn't look too good in hindsight was losing Micah Hyde and him having blossomed in BUF and Casey Hayward. Though those were young players on a 2nd contract, not players like Jones on their third deal.
bjkdad44
March 15, 2024 at 03:38 pm
Why didn’t he try to trade Jones?
Coach Cleve Steamer
March 14, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Profits over people. I’m a lifelong Packers fan. I understand the business decisions. Like a lot of fans I become a fan of individuals like Aaron Jones or Jordy Nelson etc. and it hurts like hell when they get dumped, traded, or injured. Then I get over it. It’s just businesses and being a fan is a fantastically fantastic delusion. Yet I’m all in. Go figure.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 14, 2024 at 12:52 pm
I would say production over people, not profits. This is about putting together the most competitive team with the money you have.
stockholder
March 14, 2024 at 02:50 pm
Profits over people.
Thats a Sucks at Life comment.
Coach Cleve Steamer
March 15, 2024 at 09:03 am
Suck it then bitch! Go argue with Coldworld.
Tundraboy
March 14, 2024 at 01:12 pm
His legacy here with us will last forever.
Alberta_Packer
March 14, 2024 at 01:55 pm
" Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." - Tennyson
Starrbrite
March 14, 2024 at 01:59 pm
Can’t believe I’m agreeing Alberta—great quote.
BuckyBadger
March 14, 2024 at 02:26 pm
Great when he plays but is hurt too often. These people who talk about loyalty need to get real. Is the team suppose to keep players around just because they where good one day? This is the pros and when your salary is more than your value the team will move on.
Bitternotsour
March 14, 2024 at 02:49 pm
McCarthy had to wrap him in bubble wrap to keep him fit through a season. He's been on a pitch count his entire career. Why people can't see that is beyond me.
WD
March 14, 2024 at 03:25 pm
Jacobs missed the last four games of the season. Just sayin. Youth does not exempt you from injuries in the NFL
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 07:28 pm
No, but age greatly expands both frequency and duration.
BuckyBadger
March 14, 2024 at 10:01 pm
I don't like the Jacobs signing. He is past his prime and 26 isn't young for a RB.
Coldworld
March 15, 2024 at 03:23 am
26 is fine. He does have a lot of carries under his belt though, but not many in college. I have expressed concerns about the reasons for his 2023 season and whether we are getting that or his league leading 2022 manifestation. The contract suggests it’s a gamble: he is not being paid as he might have been this time last year. I think the answer is something in the middle.
The more I dig, the more credibility I give to the belief that McDaniels was truly a factor and the more it seems his physical skills were unchanged. That has given me some optimism that we get a better back than his 2023 performance suggests and we will be putting him in a much better O to boot. It may not be what I wanted, but longer term his timeline better fits where this team is and I think he will prove to be s good back for us.
If he returns to great, that’s a bonus, but I don’t think we got noticeably worse, provided we bite the bullet and realize that now we have to run block competently and have an OL scheme that is better suited to opening gaps. Let’s see if they follow through, been more particularly now we have Dillon back too.
SinceLombardi
March 15, 2024 at 06:24 am
Jacobs past his prime?? He probably hasn’t even hit his prime. But he will in the next two years.
It was a great signing. If Aaron Jones was more durable, it would be a different argument. But he wasn’t. He was at the point where non contact issues were becoming a problem. More importantly this team needed and needs players on defense. They need the money. They beat Detroit and KC without Jones. Jacobs is a stud. They upgraded.
Zapato
March 14, 2024 at 02:36 pm
Finally, someone writes an article about what a great player and leader Aaron Jones was for the Packers. Yeah, his absence is going to be felt. Sure, this past season we had a quarterback proving to the world that he's legit. We had young receivers and tight ends becoming stars right before our eyes. We had an offensive line growing together and becoming a force to recon with. But we never would have made the playoffs without Aaron Jones. Never! Thank you Gil!!!
GregC
March 14, 2024 at 04:38 pm
Another way of looking at it is that they darn near missed the playoffs because Jones was hurt so much. I wanted our GM to roll the dice and give him another year, hoping he would be healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs again, but the GM was probably right to set a price and stick to it. The replacement RB has roughly equivalent talent, is three years younger, and is more likely to stay healthy, so in a way this is a safer choice with a similarly high ceiling if everything goes right.
Coldworld
March 14, 2024 at 07:25 pm
Jones is a weapon, but he’s never been anything other than a complimentary one except for brief spells of games. He’s not Ahman Green. He’s not a Henry, Alexander or the guy who played in purple for so long. That makes a difference.
A lot of people complaining wanted us to pick up a certain disgruntled RB last year. Do you think had we signed Taylor Jones would have been back this year? On the subject of Colts RBs, I still find my self wishing we had kept Tyler Goodson around for this eventuality.
GregC
March 14, 2024 at 08:31 pm
Yeah, you always liked Goodson. He got signed to the Colts practice squad right before Jones got hurt in the opening game against the Bears, and that's right when the Packers could've used him. They could've signed him to the 53-man roster, but for some reason they didn't.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 10:24 pm
I bet Gutey wishes he had Tyler Goodson, too! He got injured, was moved to the PS, and was poached.
NFLfan
March 14, 2024 at 02:38 pm
A team should not have to pay a player extra for 'being a good person'. OR being a great player 3 YEARS AGO.(Bakh)
Aaron Jones missed 6 games and he was on a likely pitch count for 6 games. That leaves 5 games. Hello!
I think he was a bit manipulative when one understands the current value of RB's, esp. older, oft-injured ones. The fact that he immed went to Minnie was suspect as well. I liked Aaron but he wanted to be special (sombrero) and I often feel suspicious of those types-just give me a hard-working guy-Romeo Doubs comes to mind.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 14, 2024 at 02:58 pm
Overall agree, but to be fair, Aaron Jones is special. He's third overall in GBP's entire history for total yards. Hard to believe because he's been used pretty sparingly over his career. And at a career average of 5.0 yards per carry, he's above Ahman Green and Jim Taylor. He's 4th in rushing TDs after Taylor, Green and Hornung. Yes, Aaron Jones is a special RB.
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2024 at 10:21 am
Put him in the League during the Sixties and I do not believe he gets the Same results.
LeotisHarris
March 14, 2024 at 02:39 pm
Really nice piece, Gil. Reading the quotes from Jayden Reed gave me goosebumps. Love the way the kids talk, no cap.
Aaron Jones was a great teammate, leader, and a helluva exciting player. That will not be easily replaced, nor will it be replicated on a team with Sam Darnold under center. I loved Favre like a brother when he left, and was literally sick to my stomach seeing him in purple. The feelings aren't that intense this time, but it still stings to know Jones is in Minnesota. These days my thoughts on Favre involve a rolling donut.
I think the Packers made the correct decision with Jones. I hope Aaron gets every dollar coming to him and stays healthy enough to play all but two games this season. That hammy is going to act up, you know? Timing.
Alberta_Packer
March 14, 2024 at 06:12 pm
Like this year - I think that for the remainder of his career Jones will be subject to the H.M.P. - Hamstring Management Protocol.
jannesbjornson
March 15, 2024 at 10:29 am
O'Connell will know how to use him. He will not be their bell cow guy. Ty Chandler is lightening in a bottle. The Purple are built for speed at RB. Packertown,LLC. will have to get faster at LB and Safety. Let's see how it rolls by the time the dust settle in October and the real Games begin. A.Jones was well-compensated with previous Payouts, given his availability. Hopefully, Gutedkunst is looking to the draft to find a couple more dynamic guys. Too bad he didn't move on Van Ginkle for the SLB.
BobWellhoefer
March 14, 2024 at 03:26 pm
Well, the Packers will miss Aaron Jones for a limited number of games this year because he can no longer stay healthy for an entire year, but it is Aaron Jones that will miss the Packers for the entirety of next season. Why? Because he'll be playing for the Minnesota Vikings. He will regret the organization, playing on that crappy astroturf, in that crappy stadium, and representing an organization that clearly does not have a clue about winning in the NFL. He cut off his nose to spite his face by accepting a contract with the Vikings for about the same money the Packers were offering. And he will pay the price in many ways for his fit of obstinance. Be expecting for him to retire at the end of next year.
Galacticat
March 14, 2024 at 03:36 pm
All my nostalgia and sentimentality for Aaron Jones went out the door when he became a Viking. Can’t wait for Josh Jacobs!
Swisch
March 14, 2024 at 04:47 pm
As far as I can see, no disloyalty or disrespect to Aaron Jones -- nor to other highly regarded former Packers such as Bakh, Randall, Marcedes, Aaron Rodgers, Jordy, Clay, or Brett.
It's not even a lack of sentimentality on the part of Gute.
It's just that there comes a time, sad to say, for every player to move on.
***
I like keeping our favorite Packers as long as possible. I root for them as players and persons.
I like keeping a veteran with slightly diminishing skills a little longer due to intangibles such as character and competitiveness -- but eventually, inevitably, the intangibles don't cover the decline in talent.
There's also the dilemma of players wanting more for themselves while adding less to the team.
These are tough calls, but it seems better to let a guy go a little too early than a little too late.
***
I want Gute to be loyal and respectful, even a little sentimental, to all of the players on the Packers.
True, there are some who deserve special recognition and reward due to their service to the team, but that doesn't go on forever.
All of the guys on the roster deserve to get paid in a respectful way, with a fair distribution of the salary cap depending on their various roles; also, the team needs enough of the salary cap to go around so that we have enough talent across the roster to vie for a Super Bowl.
A team player and a friend of the fans like Aaron Jones is likely to come to an understanding that Gute has to look out for the entire team, as well as the fans.
We've had seven great seasons with Jones, which is good long run in the NFL for him, for his teammates over the years, and for us as fans. Win-win-win.
Turn the page with wistfulness but without regret.
NFLfan
March 14, 2024 at 05:23 pm
I think we should look @ Romeo Doubs as inspiration.
Rodgers, Bakh, Jones, Brett, Randall, etc., wanted special treatment.
This is football, the opposing team doesn't care if you're 'special'
I'm w/Gute on these decisions-takes guts to think of team first, not the 'specialness.'of certain players who are often in decline.
Swisch
March 14, 2024 at 06:09 pm
Why Doubs? I may have missed something not paying close attention this offseason until this past week of free agency.
***
I'm okay with our veterans wanting special treatment to a point, but agree that the rest of the team deserves due consideration, as well.
albert999
March 14, 2024 at 05:36 pm
AJ DILLON. IS BACK TO THE PACK
Swisch
March 14, 2024 at 06:05 pm
Good news to me to keep A. J. (Armored Jeep) Dillon with the Packers.
Over such a long season as that of the NFL, we need three of four running backs ready to rumble.
Wilson had his moments last season, plus possibly one or two more RBs later in the draft.
Maybe now we can put more emphasis in the draft on a couple blockers at guard/center to better open up the inside running lanes.
Alberta_Packer
March 14, 2024 at 06:17 pm
Just when you think Gutie will zig - he zags.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 10:31 pm
Will #28 be our FB? He'd be a helluva lead blocker for Jacobs!
Coldworld
March 15, 2024 at 03:31 am
My secret draft hope: Jakobi Buchanan, Army. A true 260 pound FB who can flatten opponents weather running the ball and lead blocking. Let’s make running up the gut fun again:
https://www.google.com/search?q=jacobi+buchanan+draft&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&...
Alberta_Packer
March 15, 2024 at 12:58 pm
In addition - both Jacobs and Dillon are primarily between the tackle runners. Packers are bringing in Zak Zinter - a large, nasty, run-blocking OG - as one of their pre-draft visits. The interior was the Packers softest part of the line last year. Wondering if Gutekunst is going to fortify that area with players like Jackson Powers-Johnson, Cooper Beebe and/ Zak Zinter? If so, having a brutish 260 lb. fullback leading the way would bring back ole' time football. Definitely fun!
GregC
March 14, 2024 at 08:39 pm
It's a little awkward because most fans did not seem sad to see him leave. I know I wasn't. He's not a bad player, but I thought it was time to look for an upgrade.
With Jacobs being a more straight-ahead runner than Jones and with Dillon coming back, I have to wonder if Gute is looking to tweak the offensive line and make it more suited to a power running attack. I would be fine with that as long as the pass blocking is still good.
albert999
March 14, 2024 at 05:37 pm
https://lombardiave.com/posts/aj-dillon-future-packers-takes-one-final-s...
albert999
March 14, 2024 at 05:37 pm
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/33/03/309ED18D-4269-478A-A80B-2D406CF0C23D/IMG_7002.jpeg
albert999
March 14, 2024 at 05:38 pm
Micha Hyde may be coming back also
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/33/03/309ED18D-4269-478A-A80B-2D406CF0C23D/IMG_7002.jpeg
Alberta_Packer
March 14, 2024 at 06:42 pm
if so, thinking near or at the veteran's minimum. Still does not preclude Gutekunst taking a combination of at least 3 CBs - Safeties in the draft.
Packerpasty
March 14, 2024 at 06:39 pm
Here we go again...post after post about someone who is not currently on the team...just like with Rodgers, or Nelson, etc...im more interested in who's on this years team...these guys are gone, lets talk about the current Packers...adios Jones, it was fun, while you were healthy, good luck with the Vikes...now for this Jacobs guy, im all in and interested...
albert999
March 14, 2024 at 06:42 pm
U should be more negative it suits u real well
Alberta_Packer
March 14, 2024 at 06:45 pm
Still in the grief stage for many fans. Once "acceptance" is reached - the bandwagon will be rolling again.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 14, 2024 at 10:35 pm
No rush. Week 1 is a long way away ..
joejetson
March 14, 2024 at 08:51 pm
I read a couple of interesting stories today about ex-Packers players and ex-coaches who have listed their homes for sale after leaving the Packers.
Substitute "mansions" for the word "homes" and you have an accurate picture of their finances.
Joe Barry's place was listed for nearly two million. Several hundred thousand more than he bought it for.
De'Vondre Campbell's pad was amazing as well.
I do not begrudge these folks for making big money, they work hard and are dedicated to their profession.
What it did make me think about was I have no reason to feel sorry for them when they are released or fired.
They will come out of the situation just fine.
Good luck to them in their future endeavors.
Professional Football is a business, a BIG business. These things happen.
Turophile
March 15, 2024 at 05:00 am
Look at the past releases of Gutekunst due to a players age. He is generally right.
The writing is there for AJ. Despite the Packers using him sparingly, his injuries are coming with more frequency. Was he a great RB for the Packers - yes. Could the Packers be confident of having AJ for most or all of the season in 2024, no.
This is not about leadership, not about how good a guy AJ is or how much he means to the team when healthy. It is about age, his previous health through a season and his projected availability.
Gute makes the tough calls when he has to and this is one of those times he makes the unpopular call, one that a lot of fans will hate.
It's tough to see AJ in purple, but the Packers have dealt with this before and AJ is entitled to go wherever he chooses.
SinceLombardi
March 15, 2024 at 06:04 am
Loved having him as a Packer , not too concerned he’s a Viking.
They got rid of the best running back in team history (#31)over contract issues, so it’s nothing new. It seems Aaron Jones took it in stride. I doubt we will see him in the postseason though. Rather see him in Minnesota, than in Dallas.