Aaron Jones hits the 2021 NFL free agency market as the clear best running back available to sign. But which teams would be great landing spots?
We could see quite a frenzy in 2021 NFL free agency with some of the big-name players available on the open market. And one of those players is one of the best young running backs in the NFL in Aaron Jones. After four seasons with the Green Bay Packers that saw him ascend to his current status as his workload grew, he’s now set to be available to the highest (or best) bidder.
As a fifth-round pick out of UTEP, Jones has done nothing but produce. He’s averaged 5.2 yards per carry over four years and has combined for 2,188 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons while also catching 96 passes for 829 yards and five additional scores.
Even better is the fact that, due to working in a committee early in his career, Jones likely still has plenty of mileage left on the tires. That should make him an attractive option in free agency, even with the stigma of paying running backs that’s prevalent in the modern NFL.
Taking all of that into account, we’re diving into five teams that would make sense as landing spots for Aaron Jones this offseason.
Aaron Jones landing spots in 2021 NFL free agency
5. Green Bay Packers – Sometimes one of the best options is just staying the course and that definitely applies to Jones and the possibility that he could stay with the Green Bay Packers. The organization is reportedly interested in bringing him back and has been clearing cap space to make that happen.
At the same time, there should be some trepidation regarding a possible reunion. Not only should the Packers be wary of overpaying Jones but they also have AJ Dillon, who they drafted in the second round last year. We’ll see if that weighs on their decision regarding Jones in free agency.
4. Arizona Cardinals – After a productive 2019 season, the Cardinals elected to retain Kenyan Drake via the transition tag in hopes that he could be the long-term answer at running back. It was clear in the 2020 campaign, however, that was not the case as Chase Edmonds was actually the better option for Arizona.
Yet, there seems to be a belief that Edmonds isn’t ready to be a feature back in the Cardinals offense. Jones could come in and be a dynamic option working with Kyler Murray while also having experience in a committee to keep Edmonds in the mix. This is a sneaky nice fit for all parties involved.
3. Seattle Seahawks – Suffice it to say that the Seattle Seahawks offense could look much different in 2021. The consistent rumors that they could trade Russell Wilson make you believe that where there’s smoke, there’s fire. That could mean a stopgap option at quarterback coming in and a heavier reliance on the run game.
The problem with that, however, is that Chris Carson is set to hit free agency and the Seahawks don’t have a proven option on the roster to replace him. With a bit of cap space at hand, Seattle could look to land Jones. They could do this even if Wilson sticks around as Jones would represent an upgrade in the backfield that could further bolster the offensive weaponry.
2. New York Jets – Considering that the Jets were relying on Frank Gore to take a large portion of their carries last season, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discern that they could use some help in the backfield moving forward. They may be somewhat apprehensive of getting that in free agency after how poorly the Le’Veon Bell signing went but Aaron Jones is a different beast.
Jones has more than proven his ability to be a versatile feature back and has far less wear and tear on him from his time with Green Bay than Bell did with the Steelers. As the Jets likely pivot to a younger option at quarterback, they should help their new man out by getting firepower in the backfield.
1. Miami Dolphins – Over the past two seasons, arguably no team in the NFL has presented a worse rushing attack than the Miami Dolphins. Yes, the team had a ton of holes to fill to get back to relevancy but, after just missing the playoffs last year, it’s time to start swinging big and addressing weaknesses such as the run game.
Jones would represent a huge move for the Dolphins backfield, giving Tua Tagovailoa a terrific option to check down to in the passing game while also alleviating pressure on the young quarterback with a reliable run game. That’s what Miami needs to help their young signal-caller develop and inch closer to their ceiling.