The Green Bay Packers were one of the most pleasant surprises this season thanks to a strong second half, and much of that was spearheaded by the play of running back Aaron Jones.
Due to injury issues, Jones got off to a slow start in 2023, but he rebounded later in the season by rattling off five straight 100-yard performances, including the Packers’ two playoff games.
During the regular season, Jones played in 11 games and rushed for 656 yards and a couple of touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also caught 30 passes for 233 yards and a score.
Those numbers may not look great, but when you take into consideration just how valuable Jones was down the stretch and how good he still looks when he is healthy, you will realize just how important the veteran halfback is to Green Bay’s offense.
That’s why Kevin Patra of NFL.com is urging the Packers to sign Jones to an extension this offseason.
Earlier in the year when Jones was struggling to stay on the field, some were speculating that Green Bay could potentially cut Jones after the season, but now, the Packers may look to keep him around for the next couple of years.
Patra suggests signing Jones to a one or two-year contract extension that would be financially favorable to both sides.
Jones, who played his collegiate football at UTEP, was selected by Green Bay in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The 29-year-old has been one of the league’s most efficient backs since joining the professional ranks, boasting a career average of five yards per carry.
He made the Pro Bowl in 2020 after racking up 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns while logging a robust 5.5 yards per attempt. In addition, he hauled in 47 receptions for 355 yards and a couple of scores.
Aaron Jones and the Packers went 9-8 this season and lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
