The Green Bay Packers decided to move on from 29-year-old Aaron Jones this off-season. The veteran running back will be 30 by the end of the 2024 season. After Jones refused to take yet another massive pay cut, the Packers decided to release him. Within just a few days Jones chose to sign with one of the Packers’ biggest rivals: the Minnesota Vikings.
The decision came with much heartbreak amongst Packers fans as Jones has turned into one of the fan favorites over the years in Green Bay. However, signing with the Vikings immediately made him public enemy number one for many of those fans.
Now the Packers have put the final nail in the coffin to the Jones era in Green Bay.
The Green Bay Packers Put The Final Nail In The Coffin To The Aaron Jones Era
According to NFL Jersey Numbers:
Green Bay Packers DB Evan Williams is wearing number 33. Last assigned to Aaron Jones. #GoPackG pic.twitter.com/9B1IbfmIW9
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 1, 2024
Evan Williams, a safety from the University of Oregon, was selected by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. During his time at Oregon, Williams wore No. 33, which was immediately given to him by the Packers.
It might not go over well with Jones, as he wore No. 33 for all seven years with the Packers. Over the course of his career in Green Bay, he accumulated 5,940 rushing yards, 2,076 receiving yards, and 63 touchdowns.
Because he wasn’t looking to leave Green Bay, it might sting a bit more for the former UTEP product.
Evan Williams May Be Asked To Play A Significant Role For The Packers
Williams is joining a team who is desperate for an overhaul at the Safety position. After moving on from both Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens, the Packers needed a bunch of new talent at the position.
The Packers didn’t shy away from doing just that. Signing free agent star Xavier McKinney was just the start. The Packers also added three Safeties through the draft: Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo. Dane Brugler’s official scouting report of Williams is as folllows:
“A one-year starter at Oregon, Williams was a versatile safety in head coach Dan Lanning’s balanced scheme. After four years at Fresno State, he transferred to Eugene for the 2023 season and led the Ducks in tackles, finishing his college career with 45 starts.
Although he has the size of a free safety, Williams has the mentality of a box safety, with his disciplined run support and eagerness to drop the hammer. Though he reacts well to front-facing throws, he has a tough time locating the ball downfield, and his coverage busts lead to big plays for the offense.
Overall, Williams doesn’t have playmaking instincts in the deep half of the field, but he is an energetic field presence with a trigger and toughness that are easy to appreciate. He projects as a backup strong safety and core special teamer in the mold of Alohi Gilman.”
Some consider Williams to be a hybrid linebacker/box safety. His versatility leads to some comparisons of Micah Hyde. It is possible that Williams will become the team’s primary box safety.
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