I was live discussing the Green Bay Packers signing Josh Jacobs and how it was possible he was the replacement, not the complement, in Green Bay. With the way the Aaron Jones contract was set up, the Packers signing Jacobs could be used as a threat to Jones, and if he did not take another pay cut, he would be gone. Well, it appears Packers fans have gone from celebrating to questioning.
Packers Cut Aaron Jones After Signing Josh Jacobs
Not only has Aaron Jones been among the most effective running backs in the NFL, he has been a fan-favorite amongst Packer fans. The release of the talented running back out of UTEP will hit some fans hard. However, given the money he was owed, he faced an uphill battle.
Heading into today, Jones had a $17.5M cap hit. However, as a post-June 1st cut, Green Bay would save $11.9M. We will see what the Packers do with this money, but it should certainly pay for the signing of Josh Jacobs, hopefully.
As for Jones, he is now on the open market. While there will be many suitors, none will likely be more enticing than the Dallas Cowboys. Obviously, Jones went to UTEP and is from Texas, so a return home could be exciting for him. He has also had plenty of success in that building, scoring eight touchdowns in only three games. With Tony Pollard leaving for Tennessee, the Cowboys should bring in Aaron Jones immediately.
Packers Sign Josh Jacobs
We now know Josh Jacobs is the replacement, not the complement in Green Bay. The 2022 All-Pro saw nearly 400 touches in the season, then he averaged over 20 touches last season while missing four games. Jacobs is a talented rusher in between the tackles who gets better as the game goes on. However, with over 1,300 rushing attempts over the past five seasons, it’s fair to talk about the injury risk he brings.
In other words, the Packers are not done addressing their backfield. Green Bay may decide to bring back AJ Dillon. However, if they want someone to be the “lightning” to Jacobs’ “thunder,” then the Packers may look to the 2024 NFL Draft to fill this role.
