The Green Bay Packers acted quickly on Monday, releasing franchise stalwart Aaron Jones almost immediately after agreeing to terms with fellow running back Josh Jacobs.
Jones’ run with the Packers is over after six seasons and more than 8,000 scrimmage yards, but the 29-year-old could find work soon. Where are his best landing spots around the NFL?
Aaron Jones Landing Spots
While Jones missed six games with an MCL injury last season, he was still effective when available. His 62% rushing success rate led all running backs; the only NFL player to rank higher was Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Jones’ dynamic receiving ability will keep him on teams’ radars. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that, despite a surplus of free agent running backs on the market, Jones already has suitors and may sign a new deal soon.
Here are seven teams that could consider Jones in the coming days.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys lost Tony Pollard, who signed a three-year deal worth $24 million with the Tennessee Titans on Monday. Rico Dowdle is also a pending free agent, leaving 2023 fifth-round pick Deuce Vaughn as Dallas’ starting RB if the season started today.
Jones played high school and college football in Texas and might relish the chance to return. He probably wouldn’t represent the end of the Cowboys’ RB 2024 plan, but he’d be a solid start.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams leaned on RB Kyren Williams in 2023 — perhaps too much. Williams led the NFL with 19.5 attempts per game last season, serving as the centerpiece of Los Angeles’ running game.
Williams eventually missed time with injuries and may need a comment next season. Jones could handle passing-down work for Sean McVay and the Rams, allowing Williams to catch his breath.
Baltimore Ravens
Although they were commonly linked to free agent running backs in the preceding weeks, the Ravens haven’t gotten involved in the market despite Pollard, Barkley, Jacobs, and others finding new homes.
Jones would become an extremely souped-up version of Justice Hill for Baltimore and could lead the Ravens to re-sign Gus Edwards, who could create a thunder-and-lightening attack with the former Packer.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns will likely rework Nick Chubb’s contract to allow the veteran RB to stick around in 2024 after last season’s devastating knee injury, but he may not be ready for Week 1.
In that scenario, Jerome Ford will be Cleveland’s starting back to begin the season. With Kareem Hunt unlikely to return, the Browns could use another play in his mold: a reliable pass catcher who can handle pass protection.
Houston Texans
The Texans were thought to be targeting Barkley or another RB upgrade this offseason but have not made a signing as of yet. Houston could still re-sign free agent Devin Singletary, but that wouldn’t prevent GM Nick Caserio from adding Jones.
After finishing with the league’s sixth-worst rising success rate in 2023, the Texans have to do something about their backfield. Jones could experience a rebirth playing alongside C.J. Stroud and behind an underrated Houston offensive line.
Washington Commanders
Although the Commanders still have RB Brian Robinson Jr., they lost Antonio Gibson, who landed with the New England Patriots. Washington has plenty of cap space and could have aimed higher at RB, but Derrick Henry is the only remaining free agent back who’s clearly superior to Jones.
KEEP READING: NFL World Reacts To Surprising Josh Jacobs Signing
The Commanders will likely have a rookie quarterback under center in 2024. Jones could be a valuable resource as a dump-off option out of the backfield and a respected voice in the locker room.
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