GREEN BAY — At a position largely devalued by most NFL teams, the Green Bay Packers deemed running back Aaron Jones worth investing in.
At least for the next two years.
While there aren’t many backs in the NFL who are as multi-dimensional as Jones, the Pro Bowler’s four-year, $48 million deal signed on the eve of the free-agent market opening is designed more like a two-year, $20 million deal that allows the Packers to either restructure Jones’ deal or move on from him after the 2022 season.
Coupled with No. 2 running back Jamaal Williams’ free-agent departure for the Detroit Lions, and given how vital productive and diverse backs are to coach Matt LaFleur’s play-action oriented offense, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the Packers spent one of their 10 picks in the April 29-May 1 NFL draft on a back — even after picking Boston College’s AJ Dillon in the second round a year ago.