During the 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, the Green Bay Packers engaged in discussions with the representatives of star running back Aaron Jones to renegotiate his contract with the aim of reducing his cap hit, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Currently, at 29 years old, Jones carries a cap hit of $11 million for the upcoming season, a figure the Packers are eager to decrease, especially considering the anticipated substantial contract extension for quarterback Jordan Love during this offseason.
Reporter Tom Silverstein suggests that if an agreement isn’t reached within the next two weeks, the Packers may opt to release Jones, hoping that their offer doesn’t match what he might receive on the open market. In such a scenario, they could potentially re-sign him at a lower price point.
If the Packers decide to release Jones before the start of the new league year and designate him as a June 1 cut, they would free up $11.85 million in cap space for the 2024 season, albeit incurring a dead money charge of $5.71 million.
Jones is currently slated to count $17.5 million against the cap for the upcoming season, which includes an $11 million base salary in the final year of the four-year contract he signed with the Packers back in 2021.
Why the Packers Could Play hard Ball with Aaron Jones
General manager Brian Gutekunst and the Packers find themselves in a position of leverage regarding Aaron Jones, especially considering the competitive landscape of free-agent running backs he would potentially enter if released by Green Bay.
With notable names like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Tony Pollard, Austin Ekeler, and D’Andre Swift available, Jones may not command one of the top contracts on the open market, particularly given his recent struggles with hamstring and knee injuries.
Despite the offseason salary cap increase to $255.4 million, the Packers have a relatively modest cap space of approximately $12.7 million. Spotrac highlights that Jones’ market value is significantly lower than his current deal, projecting a one-year contract worth $5.1 million.
Given these factors, Green Bay holds considerable leverage in negotiations with Jones. They may prefer reallocating a portion of Jones’ current cap space to address more pressing needs at premium positions on the roster.
Cap Increase Offers Packers’ Some Breathing Room
The Packers are poised to capitalize on the increase in the salary cap, potentially enabling General Manager Gutekunst to adopt a more assertive approach once free agency commences.
Gutekunst expressed this sentiment to reporters at the NFL Combine, emphasizing the newfound flexibility provided by the higher salary cap. He highlighted the importance of making astute decisions while maintaining flexibility in the coming years. The increased cap, he noted, affords the team more breathing room and reinforces their ability to pursue their desired strategies.
Green Bay is eyeing significant progress in 2024, building upon their return to the NFL Playoffs last season and their advancement to the NFC Divisional Playoffs. With quarterback Jordan Love instilling confidence in the team’s future, the Packers are poised to make substantial strides.
