The last three years must have passed by like a whirlwind for Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones. The 25-year old pass rusher was a fifth-round pick by the Packers in 2017. He only featured in four games for the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers in his rookie years. However, things changed in 2018.
Jones started the season with a two-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. Upon returning to the first-team setup, Jones emerged as a vital cog in the Packers offense for the rest of the season. At the end of the season, Jones had 28 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, and 26 receptions to his name. He was also vital in last year’s run to the NFC Championship game. The Packers ended up on the losing side, having lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Jones rushed on 12 occasions for 56 yards and completed one touchdown in that game.
Jones will enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2020. The Packers will be eager to nail down one of the more explosive pass rushers in the league to a long-term deal ASAP.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ALSO READ – “Can’t look at tomorrow” – Dak Prescott Focused on Making A Mark This Season
Packers want to sign running back Aaron Jones to a long-term extension
From Inside Training Camp: The #Packers recognized one of the game's most underrated players yesterday, reaching a 4-year, $70M extension with NT Kenny Clark. Now, they can turn their attention to some other key priorities. pic.twitter.com/hjAaeQ72yt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Packers recently got defensive tackle Kenny Clark to sign a four-year contract extension. Clark signed a deal worth $70 million that includes $25 million as a signing bonus. With that deal out of the way, the Mark Murphy-led organization will now hope to channel their efforts on securing an Aaron Jones contract extension. Here is what NFL insider Ian Rapoport had to say about the situation.
“This is not the only contractual priority they have… Aaron Jones, their standout running back, certainly that is someone that is a priority for them. They’d like to get him paid,” said Rapoport.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Packers rookie running back A.J. Dillon in the second round could provide some leverage in Aaron Jones’ contract negotiations. Head coach Matt LeFleur will hope that he can count on Jones for a long-time.
ALSO READ – “Going to use him as much as possible” – Chris Godwin On Playing Alongside Tom Brady