For months, Green Bay Packers enthusiasts speculated whether the 2023 season might mark Aaron Jones’ final stint sporting the iconic Green and Gold. Admittedly, Jones’ return has been a recurring uncertainty in recent offseasons, but this year, doubts loomed larger than ever.
The uncertainty stemmed from Jones’ hefty $17.5 million cap hit for 2024, compounded by his significant injury setback during much of the 2023 season and his age, now on the less favorable side of 30. With the tumult surrounding younger running backs like Josh Jacobs, Saquan Barkley, and Jonathan Taylor in the previous season, many assumed cutting Jones to alleviate financial strain was a forgone conclusion.
As the season draws to a close, discussions abound regarding the Packers’ decisions on player retention, restructuring, free agency, or cost-cutting measures. Given the potential $5 million savings from releasing Jones, many pundits viewed him as an obvious candidate for the chopping block.
In a recent NFL.com article, analyst Matt Okada predicted the departure of several prominent NFL players, including three from the Packers, confidently asserting Jones’ imminent departure from Green Bay:
“With AJ Dillon’s impending free agency and Jones entering his contract’s final year, Green Bay’s backfield appears uncertain for 2024. Jones’ staggering $17 million cap hit, coupled with his diminished output and health struggles in 2023, complicates matters further.”
“Nevertheless, Jones displayed a resurgence towards the season’s end, and the contractual dead money presents a barrier to his release. If Brian Gutekunst and the management can navigate a financial restructure, Jones could potentially remain a valuable asset for Jordan Love next season… but that’s a significant ‘if.'”
However, contrary to Okada’s assertions, Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst has unequivocally stated that Aaron Jones will indeed return for the 2024 season:
“Yes. Absolutely. We’d love to have Aaron back. We’re still working out the financial logistics, but his impact on our team, both on and off the field, is undeniable. He’s a game-changer when healthy and a pivotal figure in our locker room.”
While it’s unlikely Jones will return at his current salary with a $17.5 million cap hit, Gutekunst’s affirmation dispels any doubt about Jones’ future with the team. Those suggesting otherwise evidently overlooked the essential facts about the Packers’ intentions.
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