When the Green Bay Packers released Aaron Jones on Monday after signing running back Josh Jacobs, it came as a shock to many, but some weren’t surprised. Jones had spent the last seven years with the green and gold, and is now heading over to the Packers’ cross-border rival Minnesota on a one-year contract.
He was a fifth-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft out of UTEP. Aaron Jones has been through a lot of ups and downs throughout his NFL career. Jones ended his Packers career with five consecutive games with rushing for 100 yards or more.
He also had to deal with some hamstring injuries that sidelined him for a few games. General manager Brian Gutekunst said to the media on Monday with his initial feelings on letting Jones go after seven years with the organization.
“We want to thank Aaron for his unwavering commitment to the Packers and the community over the past seven seasons. It is certainly one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make in my time with the Packers and not one taken lightly. He has not only had a significant impact on the field and in the locker room, but he is one of the most beloved players in the community. We wish nothing but the best for Aaron and his entire family moving forward.”
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Also Speaks Out About What Aaron Jones Meant to the Organization
Matt LaFleur has been coaching the Packers since the 2019 season and he has had Jones with every year up until this moment. LaFleur also talked to the media, saying how instrumental Jones was to the Packers’ winning culture.
“Today is a tough day for the Packers and our community. As good of a player as Aaron is on the field, he is an even better person. When I arrived in Green Bay as a first-time head coach, he was instrumental in establishing our winning culture and always served as the greatest example of what it meant to be a Packer. Aaron will always be one of the best players I had the opportunity to coach. He, his son, Junior, his mom, Vurgess, and his family will be missed.”
Whenever the Minnesota Vikings come back to Lambeau Field during the 2024 season, Aaron Jones will most likely receive a standing ovation from the fanbase. Josh Jacobs will now be the featured back in the Green Bay Packers offense for head coach Matt LaFleur.
This also means that AJ Dillon will probably not be brought back. Does general manager Brian Gutekunst also decide to draft a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft with one or more of his 11 selections? Time will tell, but the absence of Aaron Jones for next season will be felt in the locker room a little bit.