The Green Bay Packers officially announced the release of running back Aaron Jones on Monday, ending a seven-year run in Green Bay for one of the best offensive playmakers in the team’s storied history.
General manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur both commented on the departure of Jones in a press release.
Gutekunst said releasing Jones represented “one of the hardest decisions” he’s had to make as general manager of the Packers. LaFleur said Monday was a “tough day” for the Packers and called Jones one of the best players he’s had the chance to coach.
The Packers are expected to move forward at running back with Josh Jacobs, who agreed to terms with the team on Monday and can officially sign on Wednesday.
Jones, a fifth-round pick out of UTEP in 2017, is departing as the team’s third all-time leading rusher, trailing only Ahman Green and Jim Taylor. He’s also fourth in rushing touchdowns, seventh in yards from scrimmage and eighth in total touchdowns in team history.
Across 97 games for the Packers, Jones rushed 1,177 times for 5,940 yards and 45 touchdowns and caught 272 passes for 2,076 yards and 18 touchdowns. He turned 1,449 total touches into 8,016 yards from scrimmage and 63 touchdowns.
Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2020. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns in 2019. His career rushing average is 5.0 yards per carry.
Jones turns 30 years old in December. He missed six games to injury but also finished last season with five straight 100-yard rushing games, including the playoffs.