Packers have made the decision to release Aaron Jones following the addition of Josh Jacobs in the 2024 NFL free agency
The Green Bay Packers made a significant change to their running game by signing Josh Jacobs from the Raiders. However, they also decided to release Aaron Jones. This decision came after the two sides couldn’t agree on a new contract for Jones, who was asking for a substantial amount of money. With Jacobs now on the team, the Packers are looking forward to a fresh start in their running game strategy.
“We’re grateful to Aaron for his commitment to the Packers and the community over seven seasons,” stated Packers GM Brian Gutekunst. “It was a difficult decision, but we wish him and his family the best for the future.”
A 29-year-old football player has spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted by the team in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from UTEP. Known for his versatility, he excels in both running and catching passes. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and was a co-leader for rushing touchdowns in 2019. This talented player’s name is Aaron Jones.
Today is a tough day for the Packers and our community,” expressed Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on Monday, as reported on the team’s website. “As good of a player as Aaron is on the field, he is an even better person. When I arrived in Green Bay as a first-time head coach, he was instrumental in establishing our winning culture and always served as the greatest example of what it meant to be a Packer. Aaron will always be one of the best players I had the opportunity to coach. He, his son, Junior, his mom, Vurgess, and his family will be missed.
In 2023, Jones faced injuries and could only play in 11 games. Yet, when he did get on the field, he made a big impact. He ran for over 100 yards in the final five games, even in the playoffs. Throughout his seven years with the team, he reached over 1,000 scrimmage yards four times and scored double-digit touchdowns in three seasons.
Jones wraps up his stint with the Packers as the third-highest rusher in team history, accumulating 5,940 yards. He also ranks fourth in rushing touchdowns, finding the end zone 45 times, and 19th in receptions with 272 catches.
In addition to Jones leaving, Jacobs’ arrival raises questions about Green Bay’s plans for retaining fellow running back A.J. Dillon, who is also a free agent. If Dillon doesn’t stay with the team in 2024, it would leave 320 carries from last season open for other players to take. Jacobs is likely to receive the majority of these carries.
Jones, originally drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from the University of Texas-El Paso, played a total of 97 regular-season games and 7 playoff games for Green Bay. He holds a unique record in NFL history as the only player to amass over 5,000 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns, 5 yards per carry, 250 receptions, 2,000 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns in his first seven seasons. Additionally, Jones holds several franchise records for rushing. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 after rushing for over 1,100 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. Throughout his time with the Packers, the team secured three division titles and made it to the playoffs four times, reaching the NFC title game twice.
Aaron Jones Professional Life
Aaron Jones is well-known for his distinctive style, often seen sporting wraparound Oakley sunglasses and a sombrero decked out in Green Bay Packers’ colors, paying homage to his hometown of El Paso, which has a strong Hispanic community. Additionally, he commemorates his roots in El Paso by incorporating the area code, 915, into his touchdown celebrations.
Completing his promise to his parents, Jones graduated from the University of Texas-El Paso in 2018 with a degree in multidisciplinary studies.
Sadly, Jones lost his father to COVID-19 in 2021. He wears a chain containing his father’s ashes, which he once lost during a game but was fortunately found and returned.
Jones was involved with cryptocurrency through the FTX exchange, but the exchange went bankrupt, causing potential financial losses for him.
In 2017, Jones encountered legal issues after a traffic stop where he was caught speeding and in possession of marijuana. He pleaded no contest to the charges, resulting in fines and a license suspension.
Additionally, Jones is supportive of his cousin, Tristen Newton, who plays basketball for the UConn Huskies men’s team. Jones attended their games during the 2023 tournament to show his support.