Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones will return to the franchise for the 2023 NFL season, strengthening their offense as they await a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Jones entered the offseason among the potential NFL cap casualties in 2023 with a $20.3 million cap hit scheduled to count against the Packers’ already limited cap space. With the emergence of running back A.J. Dillon late in the season, Green Bay’s Pro Bowl offensive weapon went into the spring on the roster bubble.
- Aaron Jones stats (2022): 1,516 scrimmage yards, 5.3 yards per carry
However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jones has agreed to a restructured contract that will set his base salary at $11 million next season with an $8.52 million signing bonus. The move ensures his return as the Packers’ featured running back for the 2023 season.
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As a result of the adjusted deal, Jones’ salary raises by nearly $3 million from the $8.1 million base salary he was scheduled to earn this year. While the salary is pushed up, the new deal will lower his cap hit for the upcoming season.
It also means that Green Bay’s backfield committee will remain in place next fall. Jones led the team in carries (213), but Dillon finished close behind (186). Entering a contract year, Dillon will likely average close to the 13 touches per game he averaged last season.
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The Packers are also expected to retain All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. Despite missing significant time with injuries over the last two seasons and carrying a $28.85 million cap hit, Green Bay wants to maintain continuity on its offensive line. Furthermore, designating Bakhtiari as a pre-June 1 release would only create $5.7 million in cap savings.
As for Rodgers, the Packers front office remains in a holding pattern with their future Hall of Famer. The four-time NFL MVP is set to begin a four-day darkness retreat followed by some additional personal time before he makes a decision regarding his future.
While there is a growing belief around the NFL that the Packers are ready to trade Rodgers, the franchise is expected to leave the decision up to him. If the 39-year-old decides to play in 2023 with Green Bay, quarterback Jordan Love will likely request a trade.
- Aaron Jones career stats: 5,284 rushing yards, 43 rushing touchdowns, 5.1 ypc
Regardless of who is under center for Green Bay next season, the franchise will likely rely more heavily on its running back tandem of Dillon and Jones moving forward.
