A speedy, dual-threat veteran's return? Weighing the injury risks against the locker room leadership and potential spark for the Green Bay Packers' 2026 backfield.
Former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is soon going to be available on the free agency market.
After spending the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Jones is on the fast track towards being a cap casualty. Unless the Vikings can trade him before the new league year begins on March 11, he's expected to be a cap cut.
The Vikings can save $7.75 million by cutting Jones, and at this point of his career, that's probably worth it.
Jones, 31, has been an elite running back in the past. The Packers selected him with the No. 182 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of UTEP and he slowly but surely became a star for them.
He rushed for 1,084 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2019. He rushed for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020. In 2022, he put up a career-best 1,121 yards, and though he only found the endzone twice as a runner, he notched five touchdowns as a receiver.
At his best, Jones has been a speedy, dual-threat running back with game-changing ability. At his worst, he's been an oft-injured liability.
Could the Packers bring him back for one more season, though? They didn't give a tender to Emanuel Wilson, so there's a realistic chance they're going to be looking for a backup running back in 2026.
Here are the pros and cons of this potential move.
The pros of the Green Bay Packers bringing back Aaron Jones
Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) reacts against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images.Jones is a respected NFL veteran, and he was a leader in the locker room during his seven seasons in Green Bay.
He's no longer starting material, and he can't be a work-horse, but as a change-of-pace back behind Josh Jacobs? That could be a very interesting combination for the Packers.
Considering his ability to catch out of the backfield as well as his previous time spent playing with quarterback Jordan Love, bringing Jones back for one season could pay dividends for the Packers.
The key is that it would have to be an insanely team-friendly deal. We're talking the vet minimum, which would be under $2 million.
The chance to come back to the franchise that helped create him while also getting the chance to chase a Super Bowl could be intriguing for Jones, even at that low price point.
The cons of the Green Bay Packers bringing back Aaron Jones
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.Even a vet minimum of $1.2 million would be too much to pay a player if he isn't able to play.
Jones has always had a history of getting banged up—that's part of being just 5-foot-10, 208 pounds. His last season in Green Bay saw him play in just 11 games. Last season for the Vikings, Jones played in just 12 games.
Consider that Jacobs is a bit injury-prone, too, and the Packers would be taking quite a risk by trusting an RB1 and an RB2 with significant injury histories.
Jones has had a wonderful NFL career as a former fifth-round pick out of UTEP, but perhaps it's time to start winding things down. Notably, he'll turn 32 in early December of the 2026 season.
Conclusion:
The nostalgia of seeing Jones in green and gold for one more run is fun. One would imagine playing as an RB2 behind Jacobs would also allow him to stay fresh and healthy.
If only done at the veteran minimum contract, this move would make sense for the Packers.
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