“Let’s run it back”: Aaron Jones inks a new 4 year, $48M contract with the Packers

The Packers star running back, Aaron Jones signed his second contract with a $13M signing bonus ahead of free agency to keep him with the Super Bowl contending Green Bay Packers.

The 26 year old first time pro bowler had a stellar 2020 season, rushing for 1,104 yards and 9 touchdowns. Jones also averaged a very efficient 5.5 yards per carry, ranking him second among all running backs. He also had 47 receptions for 355 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Pro football focus ranked him 4^th in receiving grade among all running backs since the 2019 season.

With the resigning of Aaron Jones and rookie running back AJ Dillion showing glimpses of being a star running back in the future with his breakout performance against the Titans in week 16, the Packers backfield could threaten to be one of the best running back duos in all of Football in 2021.

How does the contract fare for the Green Bay Packers?

The Packers might regret failing to get anything done before the 2020 season concluded since Jones solidified his value with his performance on the field. Aaron could have signed for even more in free agency but he wanted to stay in Green Bay.

However, re-signing Aaron Jones does come with a significant risk of signing any running back to a lucrative second contract. One is reminded of Todd Gurley’s $60M extension with the Rams in June 2019. Le’Veon Bell signed a 4 year $52.5 Million dollar deal with the Jets in 2019. But neither of these contracts proved to be profitable for the teams and both these players are with different franchises now.

This is usually because of the workload young running backs have to face early in their career that culminates into lesser efficiency eventually. Nonetheless, since drafting Jones’, the Packers have had a balanced running attack that played behind one of the best quarterbacks in the game in Aaron Rodgers so Aaron Jones’ has had to play fewer snaps and take lesser hits. Regardless, Jones’ contract is also more cap friendly.

The Green Bay Packers were only a touchdown away from making it to their 6^th Super Bowl appearance. So with the golden arm of MVP Aaron Rodgers, and the two-pronged attack of Jones and Dillion in the backfield, the Packers could once again prove to be a big threat to other teams and be one of the favourites to come out of the NFC.

And even though his presence alone doesn’t guarantee anything for the hopes of Packers fans, it alleviates the pressure on Rodgers. It will allow Head Coach Matt LaFleur to rely more on the run game and protect their elite but ageing quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who is pushing 38.

Also Read: Aaron Rodgers Has Accomplished What Tom Brady, Peyton Manning & Drew Brees Never Have & Never Will