Matt LaFleur, Packers
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Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers.
The Green Bay Packers have already been busy before the start of NFL free agency.
Over the weekend, the team was able to pull off a trade with the Indianapolis Colts for former All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin. They were also able to get a new deal done with offensive lineman Sean Rhyan on a three-year, $33 million contract to keep him in town.
Now, the question becomes, what else will the Packers be able to do? In order to be a top-tier contender during the 2026 season, Brian Gutekunst and the front office have some work to do.
There are obvious needs for Green Bay to address this offseason. Also, there are borderline needs, such as a backup running back behind Josh Jacobs.
After the Packers chose to non-tender Emmanuel Wilson, they brought back Chris Brooks instead. With those moves being made, the team could be in the market for a more proven backup to help keep Jacobs fresh throughout the season.
Keeping that in mind, a potential reunion with a former fan favorite has been suggested. Aaron Jones is being released by the Minnesota Vikings and the rumors have already started about a potential return to Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers Warned to Avoid Pursuing Aaron Jones
Eric Fischer of Lombardi Ave has revealed why he doesn’t think a nearly 32-year-old Jones doesn’t make sense for the Packers. He thinks there are other needs Green Bay should focus on instead.
“Signing Jones would be a mistake. While bringing in an extra running back ahead of the season makes a degree of sense, it is far from the team’s biggest need,” Fischer wrote.
“One could, and should, argue that cornerback and edge-rusher are more urgent concerns. Combine that with the cost that a veteran, former Pro Bowl would require, compared to what a late-round draft pick or undrafted rookie would cost, and it’s a no-brainer.”
Obviously, the cornerback position should be at the top of the priority list for the Packers. That position group was a clear problem throughout the 2025 season.
However, if Green Bay could figure out a way to land an impact player at cornerback and bring in Jones, that would be an ideal scenario. A backfield featuring Jones and Jacobs would be very difficult for opposing defenses to stop.
What Can Aaron Jones Bring to the Field at This Stage in His Career?
Jones played in 12 games last season for the Vikings. He carried the football 132 times for 548 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching 28 passes for 199 yards and a score.
Back in 2024, he played in all 17 regular season games for Minnesota. He carried the football 255 times for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. In addition, he recorded 51 catches for 408 yards and two scores as a receiver.
It’s obvious that Jones is no longer the elite star that he once was with the Packers. That being said, it’s also clear that he’s still capable of playing a role.
Depending on the price tag, Green Bay should consider registering interest in a reunion. He shouldn’t be a top priority over other positions of need, but Jones would be an excellent pickup for the Packers.