The Green Bay Packers are releasing veteran running back Aaron Jones from his contract, according to multiple reports. The news arrived mere hours after the Packers pulled a stunner by signing free-agent running back Josh Jacobs. Jacobs will now succeed Jones as Green Bay’s No. 1 running back.
Jones was displeased with the current state of his contract. He was scheduled to enter a contract year in 2024, and the two sides failed to reach a revision that satisfied all parties. Jones now reaches unrestricted free agency as a proven commodity. With Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and D'Andre Swift already signing elsewhere, some teams could swiftly shift their attention to Jones. We've identified three potential landing spots.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens have long been expected to enter the market for a lead back. Last year’s starter Gus Edwards departed the franchise by signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. If Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta is searching for a difference-maker to replace Edwards—and the expectation is that he is—Jones is arguably the best remaining option.
Pairing dual-threat MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson with a backfield weapon like Jones should be a priority for the Ravens. Doing so would increase the Ravens’ chances of competing with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC playoffs. The aging Jones still averaged a respectable 4.6 yards per carry last season throughout 11 regular-season appearances. Opposing defenses would have a difficult time defending the option play with Jackson and Jones lining up next to each other.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The inevitable became official on Monday afternoon when Cowboys running back Tony Pollard waved goodbye in free agency. Pollard signed a three-year contract worth $24 million with the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys must now enter the market to appropriately locate a successor for Pollard, who averaged a career-low 4.0 yards per carry in 2023.
The current make-up of the roster lacks a starting-caliber running back. The undersized Deuce Vaughn isn't going to compete for such duties. Adding a proven running back is crucial to Dallas maintaining effectiveness as a balanced offense with Dak Prescott at the helm. Adding Jones could aid the Cowboys in their never-ending quest to bring the Super Bowl back to Dallas.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Former Texans running back Devin Singletary just parlayed a career-best year into a lucrative multi-year deal with the New York Giants in free agency as Barkley’s replacement. Head coach DeMeco Ryans and GM Nick Caserio must find a suitable substitute for Singletary's workload, which included 246 total touches, 1,091 all-purpose yards, and four touchdowns. Sophomore-to-be quarterback C.J. Stroud would appreciate the ability to rely on a versatile vet like Jones.
The answer doesn’t appear to be Dameon Pierce, who rushed for 523 fewer yards in 2023 (416) than in 2022 (939). Pierce appeared to be a poor fit for offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense. Pierce landed himself in Ryans' and Slowik’s dog house by averaging an ineffective 2.9 yards per carry. The Texans will have a new starter in 2024. Jones should be on their shortlist.
