Aaron Jones News

Green Bay running back Aaron Jones is set to remain with the Packers for the 2023 season after agreeing to a restructured contract. Jones contract still has to years remaining, but his salary for the upcoming season has been adjusted. Set to earn $16 million, Jones will instead earn $11 million with $8.52 million of that coming as a signing bonus. The deal significantly reduces Jones salary-cap hit, providing the Packers with more flexibility. Jones signed his current deal, a four-year contract worth up to $48 million, in 2021. For the time being, the Packers backfield looks set to remain a committee between Jones and A.J. Dillon. Jones started all 17 games for Green Bay this season, totaling 213 carries for 1,121 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, with 59 receptions for 395 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns on 72 targets.

Jones' decision to restructure allows for Green Bay to retain him for the 2023 campaign rather than release him, and as noted by Schefter he will still have two additional years remaining on his deal. The 28-year-old remains an integral component of the Packers' offense, and his presence will be key in maintaining efficient team production in 2023 regardless of whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers ultimately remains the starter. Jones racked up 1,516 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns while playing all 17 games in 2022, maintaining an exceptional 5.3 YPC.

Green Bay has a potential 'out' in Jones' contract this offseason, but it appears the dynamic 28-year-old remains in the team's future plans. Jones is currently heading into the final two seasons of his four-year, $48 million contract, however, and a restructure could be necessary for his salary to fit into the Packers' scheme. Green Bay is heading into an offseason that could contain a number of significant decisions, so keeping a versatile player who accumulated 1,516 yards from scrimmage and seven combined touchdowns in 2022 could help guarantee some amount of stability on offense.

Jones lost a physical battle to Detroit's front seven, as he was seen getting up gingerly after some big hits (including the one he lost a fumble on). The 28-year-old battled minor injuries throughout the season, but he still finished with 1,516 yards from scrimmage and seven combined touchdowns. Jones should continue to be the focal point on offense for a Green Bay squad with an aging quarterback and a raw receiving corps.

Jones has dealt with lower-body injuries throughout the second half of the season, but he's mostly played well all the same and still gets a few more snaps than AJ Dillon most weeks. Dillon's recent dominance of goal-line work has taken a chunk out of Jones' fantasy value, but it is possible the latter gets more work Sunday night (and then maybe in the playoffs).

Jones maintained his activity level from Wednesday's walkthrough as he continues to deal with lingering knee and ankle issues. Since initially getting hurt during a Week 9 loss at Detroit, he's had a huge range of outcomes over the last seven games, tallying between eight and 26 touches per week. Friday's practice report ultimately will reveal whether or not Jones goes into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest against the Lions.