Packers free agency rumors: Aaron Jones, Dolphins have mutual interest

It’s looking increasingly likely the Green Bay Packers won’t have Aaron Jones back in 2021.

Jones is one of the NFL’s best running backs having rushed for over 1,000 yards two years running while also putting up a combined 30 total touchdowns in that time.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, there is mutual interest between Jones and the Miami Dolphins over a potential move this offseason.

With less than a month to go until the start of free agency, the Packers are running out of time to work out a new deal with Jones before his contract expires. They do have the option to use the franchise tag, but that would be difficult to afford given the team’s salary cap limitations.

It won’t be easy to compete with the Dolphins, either.

According to Over The Cap, Miami has around $22.77 million in cap room to work with, which ranks inside the top 10 in the NFL. Green Bay, meanwhile, sits around $11.45 million over the cap, meaning that’s how much money they must clear from their books just to get back to even.

If a team like the Dolphins are willing to offer Jones a big deal, perhaps in the $15 million per year region which Alvin Kamara and Ezekiel Elliott make, we can almost forget any chance of the Packers being able to compete.

Paying running backs can be a risky move in free agency but it’s easy to see why the Dolphins would be willing to do so. Miami finished 10-6 in 2020 and just missed out on the playoffs.

An area it could look to improve is on the ground. While Myles Gaskin played well, he struggled to stay healthy. Jones is one of the league’s most explosive and talented running backs and has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in three out of his first four seasons in the league.

The Pro Bowler is still only 26 years old and could still be among the best RBs in football for a few more years yet.

The Dolphins could be strong contenders for Jones in free agency. If so, it’s unlikely the Packers will be able to compete.