The Green Bay Packers are in an enviable position among NFL teams. As the Indianapolis Colts go back and forth with Jonathan Taylor, and as the franchise tag drama of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard are still fresh in the minds of everyone, the Packers have two running backs that love playing for their team.
Aaron Jones, of course, loves playing for the Packers so much that he took a $5 million pay cut in order to remain with the team. That being said, do not take his willingness to make less to mean that he is against his fellow running backs and their position. In fact, he has been pretty vocal about supporting them and their stance.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Aaron Jones: “Take Care of Running Backs, Too:
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon blocks for running back Aaron Jones as he scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears.
Jones recently spoke with Dennis Krause of Spectrum News 1 regarding the plight of running backs and their decreasing value in the eyes of teams. When asked about why he thinks running backs are losing value, Jones said:
“A lot of teams go with two backs now, so it’s kind of hard to play two guys at one position. Then, just the longevity of the position, I’m assuming.”
But he doesn’t think that is the way it should be:
“I don’t know the exact number, but it should definitely be higher,” said Jones. “I’ve seen all those guys signing massive extensions, from Trevon Diggs to all these other guys out in the market signing. And I’m happy for those guys who put in a lot of hard work to be able to get to that and take care of your family. I’m just saying take care of the running backs, too.”
Running backs, as many are aware, have a shorter shelf-life in the NFL than any other position group due to the punishment their bodies take week in and week out, season after season.
Sony Michel, who was a first round pick by the New England Patriots in 2018, just announced his retirement after five years in the NFL. Former Packers running back Eddie Lacy also had a short five-year career.
The fact that running backs do not, on average, last long in the NFL is a reason why teams do not want to pay them. From the players’ point of view, though, their short shelf-life is exactly why they should make more money, at least early in their careers.
If Aaron Jones Is Concerned About the Running Back Market, Why Did He Take a Pay Cut with the Green Bay Packers?
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If Jones is siding with his fellow NFL running backs in this matter, why was he so willing to take a $5 million pay cut to stay with the Packers? He told Krause:
“I’d definitely do anything for this team to win. I love it here. These are my brothers. The coaching staff, they’re family. People upstairs, they’re my family as well. And it’s just been a blessing to be here. To be here as long as I have been.
“Coming in, they tell you don’t buy a property, or don’t do this because you know you’re going to be here for a year or two. You never know. So to be here going on year seven is definitely a blessing. And like I said before, I don’t necessarily see it as a pay cut because I never made 11 million in my life. So I’ll take that as a pay cut.”
Packers fans and the organization can certainly be thankful for Jones’ attitude. He is an immensely important part of the offense and one of the best human beings on the team.
That being said, Saquon Barkley is making just a tad over $10 million with the New York Giants in 2023. Had Jones not taken a pay cut and had been released, it is not likely he would have made anywhere close to the $11 million he is making in Green Bay this year.
But what about 2024? AJ Dillon will be a free agent and Jones is due $17 million. It’s possible the 2024 backfield will have two completely new running backs, so fans should enjoy Jones and Dillon while they still can.
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