Jones re-works contract

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Packers and RB Aaron Jones have agreed to a restructured contract, shifting most of his 2023 money to a signing bonus. That keeps Jones with the teams "instead of being released," in Schefter's words. That's what makes this deal significant. Of course, staying in Green Bay will likely find Jones playing with a new QB (Jordan Love). What will moving on from Aaron Rodgers mean for the offense and Jones' production? That's nearly impossible for anyone to know at this point. Rodgers has been the starter since 2008, long before Jones arrived. The 2023 Packers figure to lean on their backfield quite a bit, though. Even with Rodgers still around in 2022, the offense dipped to 18th in neutral pass rate (according to RBSDM.com) from 11th in 2021. The shift from Rodgers to Love, however, could ding Jones' target count (Love will likely run more) and the team's TD efficiency. Fortunately, early best-ball drafts are discounting the Packers RB. He sits 20th at the position in Underdog ADP, going in Round 6 on average. Go ahead and get some shares of him at that price.

Packers RB Aaron Jones is set to count $20 million against the salary cap in 2023. But Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said he expects the veteran to return on a restructured deal. “Yeah, certainly, we expect to have him back,” Gutekunst recently told the media. “Obviously, he’s a dynamic player. It’s amazing. For a guy his size, to bring it every day, he rarely misses a practice, rarely misses a rep. The way he leads that football team, his consistency is amazing.” Indeed, Jones played all 17 games in 2023, setting career highs in rushing yards (1,121) and receptions (59). The 28-year-old’s fantasy ceiling will largely depend on whether Aaron Rodgers returns for another season.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (ankle, knee) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Week 18 vs. the Lions. Jones looked healthier last week than he has in a while, ripping off 111 yards on 14 carries. There's no holding back in Sunday night's must-win game vs. the Lions, who rank 19th in Football Outsiders' run defense DVOA over the last 5 weeks.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (ankle, knee) practiced in a limited capacity for the 2nd straight day. We'll see if this persistent injury prevents Jones from suiting up in Week 18 vs. the Lions. Be sure to check back again tomorrow once we have additional information.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (knee, ankle) logged limited participation on Wednesday. Jones has been dealing with injury for weeks but has yet to miss a game this season. We'll watch out for any updates regarding his status for Week 18 vs. the Lions as the week unfolds.

Packers RB Aaron Jones racked up 111 yards on 14 carries in Sunday's win over the Vikings, averaging 7.9 per rush. That marked a steep turn from most of his production since a Week 10 shin injury. Jones had been averaging just 4.0 per rush since then, compared with 5.6 per carry through Week 10. Jones added meager receiving production -- 2 catches, 2 yards on 3 targets -- and ceded rushing scores to RB AJ Dillon and QB Aaron Rodgers. Dillon checked in just 2 carries short of Jones (going 12-41-1 rushing). Week 18 will pit Jones and the offense against a Lions defense that has been up-and-down as a scoring matchup. He managed just 45 total yards on 9 carries and 2 catches in the 1st meeting.