Packers 2023 offseason position review: Running backs
The running back position has been a strength for the Green Bay Packers in recent seasons.
Aaron Jones has led the way and has been well supported by AJ Dillon. Before Dillon, Jamaal Williams was an excellent number two running back.
However, Jones’ future is uncertain in Green Bay, despite being under contract in 2023.
So, what’s next?
2022 season review
Aaron Jones played in every regular season game for only the second time in his career, and it resulted in his highest-ever total in rushing yards. However, he only scored two rushing touchdowns. Jones made up for it as a pass catcher, making five receiving touchdowns.
Jones continued to show why he is one of the best running backs in the league, which made it all the more frustrating in games where he didn’t get enough carries.
As has been the case often in recent years, the Packers’ offense was far more efficient when Jones was heavily involved.
AJ Dillon made a slow start to the season by his standards, but he finished strong.
Dillon scored six rushing touchdowns in the final six games of the regular season, while also making a number of impressive runs. He continues to show his ability to pick up tough yards in cold conditions late in the season.
Overall, Jones and Dillon again proved why they’re one of the league’s top rushing duos.
What’s next in 2023?
Both players remain under contract in 2023, but there is some uncertainty over Jones’ future with the Packers.
Barring a contract restructure, the days of Jones’ low cap hits are over. According to Over The Cap, Jones’ cap hit in 2023 is $20.01 million. This comes after having cap hits below $6 million the past two seasons.
So, what do the Packers do?
Leave the contract as it is and take on the high cap hit? Restructure his deal by pushing money into future years?
The other option would be to move on and draft a running back. They could save as much as $16 million by releasing Jones post-June 1.
But for such a talented player, it would be hardly ideal, especially if the Packers plan to run it back with Aaron Rodgers.
It’s perhaps fair, then, to assume that Rodgers’ future could directly impact what’s next for Jones.