GREEN BAY, Wis. — As the Green Bay Packers continue training camp, there’s a lot of conversation about the declining value of running backs in the NFL. Aaron Jones has a different view.
“I don’t know the exact number, but it should definitely be higher,” said Jones. “I’ve seen all those guys signing massive extensions, from Trevon Diggs to all these other guys out in the market signing. And I’m happy for those guys who put in a lot of hard work to be able to get to that and take care of your family. I’m just saying take care of the running backs, too."
The NFL is now a passing league. Running backs such as Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings), Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys) and Leonard Fournette (Tampa Bay Bucs) have been released. Others, including Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) and former Badger Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) are sparring with their clubs about their value.
Jones has a theory why running backs have fallen out of favor.
“A lot of teams go with two backs now, so it’s kind of hard to play two guys at one position,” said Jones. “Then, just the longevity of the position, I’m assuming.”
Jones has been personally impacted by the declining running back market. He took a $5 million pay cut to stay with the Packers.
“I’d definitely do anything for this team to win,” said Jones. “I love it here. These are my brothers. The coaching staff, they’re family. People upstairs, they’re my family as well. And it’s just been a blessing to be here. To be here as long as I have been. Coming in, they tell you don’t buy a property, or don’t do this because you know you’re going to be here for a year or two. You never know. So to be here going on year seven is definitely a blessing. And like I said before, I don’t necessarily see it as a pay cut because I never made 11 million in my life. So I’ll take that as a pay cut.”
His passion for the Packers is evident; he said he believes the Packers will be good this season, to some people’s surprise. He said he’s ready to prove them wrong.
“I’ve been doubted my whole life, so it’s nothing new for me,” said Jones. “So, I just smile and have that chip on my shoulder. It just keeps growing bigger. And at the end of the season, we’ll look up and we will have proved a lot of people wrong.”