As the 2023 NFL offseason gets set to get underway, one of the most talked about teams in the league right now is the Green Bay Packers. A lot of that has to do with the questions regarding Aaron Rodgers’ future with the franchise, but there are other players who could end up leaving town. One player that everyone is speculating about right now is star running back Aaron Jones.
Some writers have suggested that the Packers should move on from the electrifying running back. Others do not want to see Jones hit the road and would rather keep him around no matter what happens with Rodgers.
Recently, there was a suggestion that Jones could be a potential trade target for the Buffalo Bills.
With all of that in mind, let’s dive in and take a look at why the Packers should keep Jones and not even consider trading him at this point in time.
Why The Packers Should Keep Aaron Jones
3. He’s Still Just 28 Years Old
First up, the fact that he is still very much in the prime of his career with plenty of time left in his prime should be enough to want to keep him. Jones is just 28 years old and the Packers have done a great job of using him in a smart way. They have not overworked him and he should still have at least three or four years left of playing at an elite level.
Green Bay has been very strategic about how they use him. Earlier in his career, he formed a great one-two punch with Jamaal Williams. Over the last couple of years, AJ Dillon has taken a lot of pressure off of Jones’ shoulders.
Every legitimate contender needs to have a playmaker in the backfield. Getting rid of Jones now while he is still in his prime would be a big mistake for the Packers.
READ MORE: Look: Aaron Jones Lashes Out On Social Media
2. His Ability As A Dual-Threat Running Back
There are very few running backs throughout the NFL that can make the kind of two-way impact that Jones does. He is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league.
Just take a look at the receiving numbers that Jones put up this season. He caught 59 passes for 395 yards and five touchdowns. Replacing that kind of production would require a new running back and another wide receiver who can produce those kinds of numbers.
Whether the Packers keep Rodgers in town or make the move to Jordan Love, having a security blanket like Jones will be crucial. If they were to move on from Jones, their offense would take a big step in the wrong direction.
1. Aaron Jones Wants To Be In Green Bay
Finally, we’ve talked about what Jones brings to the field that should make the Packers want to keep him. Now, it’s time to talk about his desire to stay in Green Bay.
One of the major issue between Rodgers and the Packers a couple of years back was the team allowing loyal and talented players to walk out of town. Jones has made it clear that he wants to stay in Green Bay, even firing back at some Packers writers for suggesting that the team should trade him.
When players are bought into a team and they are loyal and want to stay, it’s best to try to keep them. It would be different if Jones wasn’t producing on the field, but that has not been the case. Jones’ loyalty needs to be rewarded and trading him would simply send yet another bad signal from the Packers.