Packers Taking AJ Dillon Could Mean Aaron Jones' Days in Green Bay Are Numbered
By Scott Rogust
The NFL Draft was supposed to be an exciting event for Green Bay Packers fans. Instead, they were kicked below the belt after the team opted to trade up in the first round to take Aaron Rodgers' eventual replacement in Jordan Love.
As it turns out, Rodgers isn't the only Aaron in Green Bay whose job security is in flux. With their second-round pick on Friday night, the Packers selected Boston College running back AJ Dillon. No, Dillion wasn't selected as a rotational back. He was likely brought in as Aaron Jones' potential replacement.
Both Jamal Williams and Aaron Jones are entering the last year of their deals. I'd suspect Dillion will be Williams replacement.
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) April 25, 2020
Why would the Packers do such a thing after Jones showed star potential after a career campaign in 2019? It's simple: he's due for a contract after 2020.
If recent memory has showed us anything, it's that NFL teams should avoid paying running backs like the plague. Just look at Todd Gurley. He was given a four-year, $60 million contract extension from the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. Not even a full season into the deal, Gurley began developing arthritis in his knees and saw his production drop. As a result, the Rams cut ties with him, while eating more than $20 million in dead money this offseason.
By taking Boston College record-setting running back AJ Dillon at No. 62 overall, it could open the door for the Packers to let Aaron Jones walk after next season rather than pay him the major money that he'll be in line for if he even comes close to... https://t.co/POTI6Rj96G
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 25, 2020
It's a true shame for Jones, who finally escaped the purgatory he was thrown into by former head coach Mike McCarthy. In 2019 under Matt LaFleur, Jones rushed for 1,084 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns on 236 carries, while catching 49 passes for 474 yards and three scores.
If Jones even comes close to replicating the numbers he posted last season, it's safe to assume that the Packers won't even bother offering him a contract. That means he'll have to ball out again and expect to look elsewhere once next offseason rolls around.