The Green Bay Packers already have one of the top running backs in the NFL, but he is on one of the least
advantageous contracts.
According to Pro Football Talk, Aaron Jones gave up $5 million ahead of the 2023 season to stay with the Packers.
Jones’ output was low-to-moderate for much of the regular season, owing to a number of ailments, but he turned it
on down the stretch. He had four straight games with at least 110 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the
Dallas Cowboys during Super Wild Card Weekend, helping Green Bay win its first playoff game under Jordan Love.
Jones’ record as a player and a person with the Packers has been flawless. However, adding to that history in 2024
will come at a significant cost to the organization. Instead of paying up to keep Jones, Green Bay may pursue an even
more plausible road to success by acquiring four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans.
Henry effectively said his goodbyes to Tennessee fans after the team’s regular-season finale in Week 18, but he isn’t
ready to leave the NFL. Henry stated his views on the January 17 episode of the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast.
Because of his age and use history, Henry could be a difficult addition, either as a stand-alone signing or as a Jones
replacement. The eight-year NFL veteran recently reached 30, which has traditionally been the age at which
organizations begin to discount a running back due to the presumed amount of tread on his tires and the physical
nature of the position.
Franchises interested in Henry will not have to assume anything about the amount of work Tennessee has placed on
his shoulders over the last five years. In 2023, Henry topped the league with 280 carries, marking the fourth time in
the last half decade that he has rushed the ball more than any other running back in the NFL. The only season he did
not play was in 2021, when he was injured for half of the year.
