Packers 2021 free agency profile: Will Aaron Jones return?

As free agency nears, we’ve been looking at potential targets for the Green Bay Packers.

So far, we’ve looked at the possibility of the Packers signing defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and wide receiver Curtis Samuel.

But what about a player already on the team in 2020? If the Packers free up enough cap room, it’s not just outside free agents they could consider signing, but also their own.

Should the Packers re-sign Aaron Jones?

Why the Packers could have interest

No explanation needed here. Jones has been a superstar on offense for the Packers over the past two seasons. Under Matt LaFleur, Jones has rushed for 2,188 yards and 25 touchdowns and caught 96 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns.

That’s a lot of production the Packers would miss if Jones signs elsewhere.

Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2020 and has been one of the most important players on offense in recent years.

Unlike the risk that comes with signing a free agent from another team, the Packers know what they would be getting with Jones. And what better way of showing they are going all-in for a Super Bowl than by bringing back a key player?

The contract

As is going to be the case throughout this offseason, here’s where it gets challenging.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Green Bay has made multiple offers to Jones including one that would’ve given him one of the highest average salaries at the running back position. However, Demovsky added they couldn’t work out an agreement on guaranteed money.

The closer it gets to free agency, the more it feels like Jones won’t be returning.

And with Spotrac projecting that Jones’ market value will be in the range of $14.6 million per year, Green Bay may struggle to afford the deal.

There’s still time for things to change, but with a month to go until free agency, it sure feels like Jones could be playing elsewhere in 2021.