Packers: 3 potential landing spots for Aaron Jones in 2023

Aaron Rodgers is yet to decide whether he will play in 2023, so the direction of the Green Bay Packers‘ offseason remains unclear.

If Rodgers isn’t back with the Packers in 2023, it could make sense for general manager Brian Gutekunst to begin working on making the salary cap healthier for upcoming seasons.

It could mean the Packers move on from star running back Aaron Jones.

According to Over The Cap, Jones’ cap hit next season is $20.01 million. But the Packers could save just over $10 million by releasing or trading Jones this offseason.

As difficult as it would be — Jones is still one of the best running backs in the league — it’s a move that would help Green Bay’s salary cap situation. And if Rodgers goes this offseason, it will be important to begin thinking about the long-term picture.

If the Packers did move on from Jones, which teams would make sense for the Pro Bowl running back?

Detroit Lions

It’s highly unlikely the Packers would trade Aaron Jones to a division rival, so this scenario could only realistically happen if Green Bay released Jones.

Jones would be reunited with former teammate Jamaal Williams. The Detroit Lions would have an excellent running back trio of Jones, Williams, and D’Andre Swift.

In Detroit, Jones would get the benefit of playing behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, in an offense that ranked fourth in the NFL for yards per game this season.

And he wouldn’t need to be given 20+ carries per game in Detroit, either, helping him stay fresh.

Jones’ pass-catching ability would be a huge addition to the Lions’ offense. He could have a Pro Bowl season in Detroit.