Packers GM Brian Gutekunst: Releasing Aaron Jones ‘One of Hardest Decisions’
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers officially announced the release of running back Aaron Jones on Monday, the first day of NFL free agency.
In a statement issued by the team, general manager Brian Gutekunst said:
“We want to thank Aaron for his unwavering commitment to the Packers and the community over the past seven seasons. It is certainly one of the hardest decisions we've had to make in my time with the Packers and not one taken lightly. He has not only had a significant impact on the field and in the locker room, but he is one of the most beloved players in the community. We wish nothing but the best for Aaron and his entire family moving forward."
Continually through their five years together, coach Matt LaFleur could barely mention Jones’ impact on the field without mentioning his impact off the field.
A selfless team leader, he was one of the heartbeats of the roster.
“Today is a tough day for the Packers and our community. As good of a player as Aaron is on the field, he is an even better person,” LaFleur said. “When I arrived in Green Bay as a first-time head coach, he was instrumental in establishing our winning culture and always served as the greatest example of what it meant to be a Packer. Aaron will always be one of the best players I had the opportunity to coach. He, his son, Junior, his mom, Vurgess, and his family will be missed.”
Jones said his goodbye via Instagram.
The Packers released the 29-year-old Jones in a cost-cutting measure. Earlier in the day, they signed running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year deal worth $48 million. The 26-year-old Jacobs won the NFL rushing title en route to All-Pro honors in 2022.
That deal cannot be made official until Wednesday.
A fifth-round pick in 2017, Jones ranks seventh in NFL history in yards per carry by a running back.
According to the Packers’ announcement, Jones is the only player in NFL history to post 5,000-plus rushing yards (5,940), 45-plus rushing touchdowns (45), an average of 5.0-plus yards per carry (5.04), 250-plus receptions (272), 2,000-plus receiving yards (2,076) and 15-plus receiving touchdowns (18) in his first seven seasons in the league.
In five seasons, Jacobs topped 1,000 yards three times and 800 yards on all five occasions. Of his 197 career receptions, he had 54 in 2021 and 53 in 2022.
