Running back Aaron Jones says the Packers are “definitely” working on an extension with his camp (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Will Selva). Jones, who is coming off of his best season to date, has one year to go on his rookie deal.
The former fifth-round pick flashed in limited usage in his first two seasons. Last year, he showed that it wasn’t a fluke. In 16 games (all starts), Jones rushed for 1,084 yards and 16 touchdowns, plus 49 catches for 474 yards and three TDs through the air. After leading the league in rushing TDs, and all-purpose TDs, he’s clearly in line for a pay bump.
The Packers don’t want to let Jones get away, though they did protect themselves against the possibility by drafting Boston College standout A.J. Dillon in the second round. Dillon’s presence may give the Packers a bit of extra leverage in talks, though Jones understands his value as a dual-threat RB. A deal in the neighborhood of $10MM/year could be in his future, provided that teams aren’t too skittish about the fiscal uncertainty of 2021. It’s also worth noting that the Packers have other expensive matters on the docket, including a new deal for left tackle David Bakhtiari.
As shown by Joe Mixon‘s recent $12MM/year extension with the Bengals, teams are still willing to pony up the cash necessary to lock down their best offensive talent. With the Packers’ season opener just around the bend, Jones could be on the cusp of his big payday.
Interesting to see big dollars for some of these RBs right now. After Gurley, Freeman, Johnson contracts, it really felt like the narrative was in favor of spending at other positions. Melvin Gordon missed by a year.
So the Packers think a heavy running game is now more important than giving a HoF QB WR’s. They may squeak into the playoffs; Detroit, & Chicago suck. While Minny still ‘Likes that Cousins’ guy. But they’ll get blown out again, like last season.
They’re more than a couple WRs away from a super bowl. (OL, TE and DB all need improving)
Offensive line? How much better do you expect it to be? Linsley and Bakhtiari are top ten talents at their respective positions, while Jenkins flashed as a run-blocker and should improve in his sophomore season. Wagner was pretty abysmal last season, but that proved to be an outlier and I would expect him to bounce back. One of Turner or Taylor is more than capable at the opposite guard spot. I’m not sure fans understand just how difficult it is to assemble a quality offensive line. Sure, teams like Baltimore and New Orleans have superior blocking units. That said, the Packers have no obvious weaknesses and should rank within the top ten barring catastrophe
Depth mostly, however was addressed in draft possibly. Wagner was terrible and I hope it was just a fluke.
You can’t tell me after twice getting annihilated by SF that there are no glaring weaknesses. 74 total points in 2 games says otherwise.
I meant the offensive line, not the team as a whole. I wholeheartedly agree this is a flawed team without imposing receiving threats, capable run defenders, or cornerback depth
I’m just trying to be a realist as a packer fan. I think nfc champ game is about as far as this team can go. Just not built for SB runs anymore
Honestly, the Packers should allow Jones to walk and roll with Dillon/Williams instead. The pair could form a proficient lightning/thunder tandem at a fraction of the cost, with a top-five run-blocking unit to complement. I believe it’s more important to dedicate funds toward locking up Bakhtiari and Alexander, given that they play less replaceable positions. Jones is undoubtedly a talented back, but to say he’s critical to Green Bay’s success would be an exaggeration IMO
I agree. You could either utilize him this year or look to move him for a pick that would be far greater than his 5th rd draft position. Turning into a position that’s not worth the cap hit anymore.