Packers GM 'Would Love' Aaron Jones to Sign New Contract in 2021 Free Agency

Despite using a second-round pick on AJ Dillon last April, the Green Bay Packers are planning to pursue re-signing Aaron Jones as he hits free agency.

"We would love to have Aaron back. I think he's such an important part of our offense this year. he's a dynamic player. He's absolutely everything we want in a professional football player. ... So we'd certainly like to bring him back," Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters Monday.

Jones and Jamaal Williams are set to be free agents this offseason, leaving Green Bay with only Dillon and Dexter Williams remaining among running backs.  

It seemed inevitable that 2020 would be Jones' last season in Green Bay given the investment in Dillon and the hesitance many teams have to give running backs long-term contracts. Jones rushed for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020, averaging 5.5 yards per carry for the third time in four seasons.

Jones should generate the most interest among free-agent backs given his star-level production. Chris Carson, James Conner and Kenyan Drake are also set to be free agents in a relatively loaded class at the position.

The Packers may be able to get Jones back at a discount if the four starter-worthy backs drive each other's prices down. It would, however, be a surprise to see Green Bay retain both Jones and Williams. Dillon was effective in limited work during the 2020 season, and it's likely the team will want to give the bruiser a bigger spotlight moving forward.