Green Bay Packers’ running back Aaron Jones has no doubts about his future in NFL. If it were up to him, he would be a one-franchise man for the rest of his career. But Jones, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, is still waiting to hear from Packers whether they want to be a one-back franchise in the years to come.
Jones had a breakthrough season in 2019, leading the league in touchdowns with 19 and topping the 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. The 25-year-old running back is now motivated to have a similar impact in 2020 with or without a new contract.
“Whether it’s my first year or my last year on a deal, I’m going to be just as motivated,” Jones said on Wednesday. “It doesn’t change just because a contract is on the line for me. I mean, I’m going to continue to work and do everything in my power. “
With that being said, Jones would prefer if he could find common ground with Green Bay and play out his NFL career there. “I trust my agency and the Packers. With that, I would love to be a lifelong Packer. That’s my take on that.”
Packers reportedly have an interest in keeping Jones past 2020, but it is unclear whether they are willing to back up that interest with a big financial commitment. The player’s agent Chris Cabott recently confirmed that he had talks with Green Bay about Jones’ new deal and that the negotiations will continue in the future.
While Aaron Jones established himself as Green Bay Packers’ main back in the past two seasons, his contract extension comes up during a shifting market for RBs in the league. Despite some record-setting deals, the NFL teams are reluctant to give their backs big extensions after a number of them didn’t work out in the past. Also, Packers already acquired a “safety blanket” in case that Jones walks, drafting Boston College’s AJ Dillon with the second-round pick in 2020.
Jones entered the league in 2017 as a fifth-round pick and has since rushed for 2,260 yards and 28 touchdowns. He is also a reliable option in the passing game, catching 84 passes for 702 yards and four TDs.
