Aaron Jones is without doubt one of the Inexperienced Bay Packers‘ star gamers on offense.
When the offense runs by means of Jones, the Packers have a tendency to maneuver the ball quite a bit simpler. Nevertheless, his future stays unclear this offseason.
Whereas he’s beneath contract in 2023, the Packers have to create cap area, and Jones’ cap hit is ready for a big enhance.
So, what’s subsequent?
Notice: All contract numbers are according to Over The Cap.
Aaron Jones’ 2023 wage cap hit
Aaron Jones’ cap hit had been under $6 million the previous couple of seasons, but it surely now reaches $20.01 million in 2023.
What are the Packers’ choices?
A contract restructure is a possible short-term repair, however all that does is push cash into future years. It’s an method the Packers have taken repeatedly with different contracts in recent times, which they proceed to repay this season.
Nevertheless it’s nonetheless an possibility.
Inexperienced Bay may transfer on from its Professional Bowl working again.
Releasing Jones this offseason would create $10.46 million in cap area. The staff would nonetheless need to pay a lifeless cap hit of $9.56 million for Jones to play elsewhere.
They might make it a post-June 1 launch, creating $16 million this yr with a lifeless cap hit of solely $4.01 million.
The draw back is that Inexperienced Bay would additionally pay $5.54 million in lifeless cap subsequent yr.
Prediction
My prediction is that Aaron Rodgers’ future performs a task.
If Rodgers is again in Inexperienced Bay, the Packers need to go all-in for a Tremendous Bowl. You don’t try this by releasing considered one of your greatest offensive gamers.
But when the Packers transfer ahead with Jordan Love, they’ll start to suppose longer-term. It then might make extra sense to maneuver on from Jones and draft a working again to pair with AJ Dillon.
Jones can nonetheless play at a excessive degree, however will Inexperienced Bay tackle his enormous 2023 cap hit?