The Green Bay Packers entered the offseason with significant uncertainty at the running back position. Ahead of NFL free agency, it appears the front office has made critical decisions on its top running backs on the roster.
On the eve of the tampering period for NFL free agency, running backs A.J. Dillon and Emmanuel Wilson are poised to hit the open market. Losing both would leave Green Bay with just starter Aaron Jones on its depth chart, but even his future with the tea was uncertain.
- Green Bay Packers cap space 2024: $13.628 million
Heading into his age-29 season, Jones is set to have the second-largest cap hit among running backs in 2024. With Green Bay wanting to add impact talent in free agency, its front office approached Jones about a pay cut. However, the Pro Bowl running back wasn’t guaranteed to agree to it, leaving the door open to him becoming one of the Packers cap casualties.
- Aaron Jones contract: $17.575 million cap hit, $11.1 million salary in 2024
Matthew Berry of NBC Sports writes that he heard during the NFL Combine that Green Bay is keeping Jones for the 2024 season. While it could still come on a renegotiated contract, the Packers’ leading rusher will not be playing for another team in 2024.
However, the same can’t be said for Dillon. A fan-favorite in Green Bay for his personality and community work, the Packers are expected to move on from Dillon this offseason. While he’s headed out the door, the Packers reportedly want to re-sign Wilson and give him an expanded role next season.
Durability was an issue for Jones in 2023, as he finished with just 656 rushing yards in 11 games. However, the 5-foot-9 running back was phenomenal down the stretch. In his final three regular-season Games, Jones averaged 119.3 rushing yards per contest and 5.68 yards per carry. In two playoff games, he combined for 247 scrimmage yards and 3 touchdowns.
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