Why did the Packers choose Josh Jacobs over Aaron Jones at RB?

Why did the Packers choose Josh Jacobs over Aaron Jones at RB?

GREEN BAY, Wis.–The Green Bay Packers didn’t plan on signing a big-name contract, but when talks with Aaron Jones about a pay cut broke down last weekend, they immediately Fast forward to the weekend and decided to go after free agent Josh Jacobs. By Monday afternoon, the team made one of the biggest changes to its position in recent history — other than the transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love last year — when they waived Jones and signed him to a four-year, $48 million deal.

Expressed agreement. Along with Jacobs, who spent his first five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Based on information from multiple parties with knowledge of the events, it was clear that things changed rapidly – especially considering that when Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was asked less than six weeks earlier if If Jones would return, he said “absolutely.” Jones was due to receive $12 million in salary and bonuses in 2024 and had a salary cap hit of $17 million. The Packers had asked Jones to significantly cut those numbers; This comes as Jones took a $5 million salary cut from $16 million last year, to $11 million. At one time early last week, the Packers thought Jones might be ready for a deal, however.

But by Friday, Jones and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, informed the team’s contract negotiator, Gutekunst, and vice president of football operations Russ Ball that they would not take as big a pay cut as the Packers proposed and would do everything right.

The Packers didn’t want to leave Jones hanging over the weekend, so they essentially told him he had to move on and turn his attention elsewhere.

They could hold on to Jones until Wednesday, when the new league year begins and the contract can be officially signed. But they did not want to put Jones in a position where, if he changed his mind about taking a pay cut, the Packers would have to tell him that the offer was no longer valid.

Consequently, given away his long history of fidelity to the association and the reference he has from the association and suckers, they released Jones on Monday so he could incontinently begin talking to other brigades. This was a threat, given away that the Jacobs deal could theoretically fall through between now and 4 pm on Wednesday.

ET, when free instrumentalities can formally subscribe with new brigades. In a statement released by the platoon on Monday, Gutekunst called moving on from Jones” one of the toughest opinions I’ve made in my time with the Packers and not one to be taken smoothly.” ” He has not only made a significant jolt on the field and in the locker space, but he’s one of the most cherished players in the community,” Gutekunst spoke.

Gutekunst and trainer Matt LaFleur noway doubt like Jacobs in portion because at 26, he is three times youngish than Jones, consequently he could potentially hold on to his starting running ago spot for the coming three to four times. Canstrengthen.However, it’ll nearly clearly be his final season in Green Bay, If the 29- time- old Jones responses.

Although Jacobs may not be the guy that LaFleur will line up in or out of the slot as a receiver as he did at times with Jones, the Packers believe his versatility as a rusher and receiver. Talent makes them dynamic. In terms of playing style, the Packers view him as Eddie Lacey in his prime – a powerful back that defenders don’t want to tackle in the open field.

The Packers need to add at least one more running back via free agency or the draft, but it won’t be expensive or come in the early rounds. AJ Dillon, who backed up Jones the last four years, is a free agent and will likely land elsewhere. They still have Emmanuel Wilson, who received a qualifying tender offer as an exclusive rights free agent on Monday  Click here Go to Read Other content

Exactly how much Gutekunst and Ball spent on Monday won’t be known until the structure of all the deals becomes available, but it’s safe to say it’s their most since the opening day of free agency in 2019. There was big spending, when they spent $182 million. 24 hours after signing Adrian Amos, Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith and Billy Turner.

In addition to Jacobs, they agreed to a four-year, $68 million deal with former Giants safety Xavier McKinney. Like the Raiders, the Giants tried to retain McKinney, but the Packers moved on from him. After the Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on Antoine Winfield Jr., McKinney became their top target.

To make room for Jacobs and McKinney under the salary cap, the Packers also released left tackle David Bakhtiari on Monday and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell on Wednesday.

Gutekunst may not have been done in free agency, but most of his work happened on Monday. Click here