Aaron Jones entered the 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers with high expectations. The star running back is fresh off a 2022 campaign in which he recorded a career-high in rushing yards.
He played in 11 games last season despite struggling with injuries.
Jones had five impressive games in which he rushed for more than 100 yards per game. The Packers acquired two-time Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs in March, but Jones already seemed unhappy with his situation in Green Bay.
He requested his release, which the team eventually granted, and Jones signed with the Packers’ division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, in the offseason.
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws the ball to running back Aaron Jones (33) during the first half of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 7, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)
Jones has played a key role in the Packers’ offense over the past seven seasons, but the team may miss his presence in the locker room even more in 2024.
Packers’ Jordan Love remains focused on ‘getting ready for season’ amid uncertain contract extension
Packers quarterback Jordan Love suggested it would be “very tough” for Jones not to remain with the team.
Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023 in Chicago. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
“Yeah, it was tough,” Love said during practice. “Aaron Jones is a really special player. He’s been a special presence in this locker room ever since I got here. We all love Aaron, so it was tough. It’s one of those things you can’t control.”
After Jones’ strong performance in Green Bay’s come-from-behind win over the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs, wide receiver Dontaeveon Wicks described Jones as the team’s “spark.”
Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball during an NFL Wild Card Playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“Yeah, yeah, I’m happy for him (Jones),” Wicks said in January. “It’s tough to get those 100-yard games back to back. He’s really been a spark for us and we’re keeping that fire going.”
Jones finished the game with 118 yards rushing.
Love won’t be handing the baton over to Jones, but expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with Jacobs.
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“Obviously, it’s great to have Josh here,” Love said. “I’m excited to see him on the field. He’s a great player. He’s been a great teammate so far. It’s been great getting to know him and I’m excited to see what he does this year.”
AJ Dillon and rookie Marshawn Lloyd have bolstered the Packers’ running back corps heading into the 2024 season.
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