Packers GM Weighs In on Aaron Jones Franchise Tag Potential

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is one of this offseason's premier free agents, and he's already drawing interest from contenders with money to spend. For the cash-stapped Packers, they'll need to decide if a long-term extension is best for the team, or possibly use the one-year franchise tag on Jones instead.

GM Brian Gutenkunst recently weighed in on the possibility of Jones playing under the tag.

Aaron Jones Franchise Tag

Gutekunst says it's not an organizational philosophy to eschew the franchise tag, although he says there are "usually better ways to avoid it." He says he'll use the franchise tag on Aaron Jones if that is what is best for the #Packers. "It's very much case by case."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) March 2, 2021

While the Packers haven't used the franchise tag in recent years, Gutenkunst doesn't seem against it if necessary. It very well could be used on Jones if the two sides can't agree to an extension.

If Jones is allowed to hit free agency, he could command an insane contract from a team looking to make a big splash. Any franchise in need of an RB1 could certainly talk themselves into paying top dollar for Jones, who has back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 30 total TDs over the past two years.

Letting Jones walk would certainly hurt, but Green Bay could focus its money elsewhere in order to build out this Super Bowl contender. Gutenkunst certainly isn't in an enviable position, having to make a huge roster decision that will shape the Packers' 2021 season no matter the outcome.

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