Richard Sherman blasts Packers for Aaron Jones 'mistake' after loss to Vikings

Aaron Jones didn't get into the end zone in Week 4, but he made an impact in his return to Lambeau Field and helped the Minnesota Vikings take down the Green Bay Packers.

Jones had 139 yards from scrimmage and consistently helped Minnesota's offense stay ahead of the chains. It shone a light on the Packers' decision to move on from the former Pro Bowler in the offseason. Green Bay made a business decision—a financial one.

The Packers reportedly asked Jones to take a 50 percent pay cut as the team didn't want to take on his $17 million cap hit. When negotiations stalled, Green Bay released him and signed Josh Jacobs. It's hard to blame Jones for not accepting a second pay cut in as many years.

It's hard to argue with the addition of Jacobs, who has quickly made an impact in Matt LaFleur's offense, but releasing Jones allowed him to sign with a division rival, which always felt inevitable.

After the game, Jones made the loss hurt even more by leaping into the stands.

Without Jones and his five consecutive 100-yard performances at the backend of last season, the Packers may not have reached the divisional round. It's not like he has shown signs of decline. Jones is still a game-changer and one of the league's best.

Former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman didn't understand the move and believes the Packers may regret it.

Richard Sherman believes Packers regret moving on from Aaron Jones

While breaking down the Packers' loss to the Vikings on The Richard Sherman Podcast, the five-time Pro Bowler said he believes Green Bay may regret moving on from Jones.

"You had a guy who is both a great receiver, a great running back, fits your scheme, understands your quarterback, blocks well," said Sherman. "Now, he had 22 rushes for 93 yards against you. Four receptions for 46 yards. And he's doing Lambeau Leaps with a Minnesota Vikings uniform on after the game. And don't be mad at him. He wanted to stay."

"Now, his team is 4-0. You've got a division rival that you just helped get better with a back you could've kept home," said Sherman. "That's one of those decisions I'm sure they'll look back on as a mistake."

It's a difficult one. While it clearly looks bad to let a star player walk—especially now that he's helping an undefeated division rival—the Packers had to make a tough decision. They likely couldn't have afforded to pay Jones and Jacobs, and making the move helped their salary cap while getting younger at the position. Adding the 2022 NFL rushing champion is hardly a bad move.

But losing Jones hurts. He perfectly fit the Packers' scheme and is now on a mission to lead the Vikings to the NFC North title ahead of them. Green Bay has Super Bowl aspirations, but releasing Jones doesn't help.

Had the Packers found a way to keep both running backs, a combination of Jacobs and Jones would've been the best in the league.

The debate will continue all season, but after the Vikings embarrassed the Packers in front of their own fans, it's hard to argue with Sherman's assessment.

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