GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 26: Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh of the San Francisco 49ers directs players during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Packers’ star runner could strike it big if he hits the open market.
He was one of three running backs that then-general manager Ted Thompson selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers opted for BYU’s Jamaal Williams in the fourth round and Utah State’s Devante Mays in the final round. And in the middle, the franchise used a fifth-round choice on UTEP’s Aaron Jones with the 182nd overall selection. And over the past two seasons, the latter has put up impressive numbers for Matt LaFleur’s club and in support of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
In 30 regular-season contests since 2019, the ’20 Pro Bowler has totaled 3,017 yards from scrimmage a combined 30 times – 25 times via the ground to go along with five touchdown receptions.
Jones figures to command a lot of attention (via Mike Tanier of Pro Football Network) and the Packers were able to take advantage of his skills the past four seasons at a bargain price (see Spotrac). And when it comes to his possible suitors, there are three teams in the same divisions that could all use him.
5. New York Jets
A 2-14 showing in 2020 featured the worst offense in the league in terms of total yards per game. And no club in the NFL scored fewer points than the New York Jets. The team is now under the command of new head coach Robert Saleh, late the defensive coordinator of the 49ers. And the club’s new offensive coordinator is Mike LaFleur, who worked with Saleh in the San Francisco.
A year after finishing next-to-last in the NFL in rushing, the Jets’ ground attack finished 23rd in the league this past season (105.2 yards per game). Ageless Frank Gore wound up leading the team in carries (187) and yards (653). It’s safe to say that Saleh and his staff could certainly use a versatile threat out of the backfield.