Getty Aaron Jones, formerly of the Green Bay Packers.
In a surprising move on the first day of free agency, the Green Bay Packers made a substantial decision at the running back position, agreeing to terms with free agent Josh Jacobs after talks with Aaron Jones about a pay cut failed to materialize — leading to his release.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported on March 12 that the Packers didn’t “set out to sign a big-name running back, but when talks with Aaron Jones about a pay cut broke down last week, they quickly pivoted over the weekend and decided to go after free agent Josh Jacobs.”
Jones, who was asked to take a substantial pay cut in back-to-back years by the Packers due to a self-inflicted cap situation, responded to Demovsky on social media saying, “Every story has 3 sides to it.”
Packers Front Office Wanted Aaron Jones to Take a Big Pay Cut
General manager Brian Gutekunst had stated that he “absolutely” expected Jones to return to the Packers in 2024, but negotiations took an unexpected turn when Jones and agent Drew Rosenhaus refused the team’s proposed salary reduction.
The Athletic reported that the Packers wanted to cut Jones’ $12 million salary for the upcoming season in half — even after he accepted a $5 million pay cut last offseason. With negotiations at an impasse, the Packers parted ways with Jones.
“We want to thank Aaron for his unwavering commitment to the Packers and the community over the past seven seasons,” Gutekunst said in a press release on March 11. “It is certainly one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make in my time with the Packers and not one taken lightly. He has not only had a significant impact on the field and in the locker room, but he is one of the most beloved players in the community. We wish nothing but the best for Aaron and his entire family moving forward.”
Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings the following day. According to Spotrac, the former UTEP standout and fifth-round draft pick received $7 million on his one-year deal.
The Packers Backfield Will Look Different in 2024
The Packers’ running back room will be led by Jacobs this upcoming season after he agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
At 26 years old, Jacobs, just one season removed from leading the NFL in rushing yards, offers a younger and potentially more durable option at running back than Jones, 29.
The Packers view Jacobs as a dynamic rusher with the ability to break tackles, having led the league in missed tackles forced over the last three seasons (194). While Jacobs may not replicate Jones’ versatility as a receiver, he can still make plays in the open field. This shift reflects the Packers’ long-term vision for their running game.
The Packers like second-year running back Emanuel Wilson and plan to give him a legitimate opportunity to secure the RB2 position, NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry wrote on March 5, after the NFL Scouting Combine. Additionally, they are likely to draft a tailback “early on Day 3,” Berry wrote.