Packers open to using franchise tag on Aaron Jones
The Green Bay Packers have a busy offseason ahead, and one of their main questions involves Aaron Jones.
The star running back is set to become an unrestricted free agent once the new league year begins on March 17. Keeping Jones is presumably a priority for the Packers, and it could even lead Green Bay to do something unusual: using the franchise tag.
"We certainly could," general manager Brian Gutekunst said Tuesday about placing the tag on Jones, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "It's something we're working through. It's not a philosophical thing to avoid it. There's usually better ways (to retain players)."
He added: "If that becomes what's in the best interest of the Packers, I think we'll do that, but at this point, we haven't done that."
Teams can place franchise or transition tags on players who were set to become free agents until March 9. Green Bay is the only team in the NFL that hasn't used a tag since 2011. The last time the organization used it was to protect defensive tackle Ryan Pickett in 2010.
Jones has been a crucial part of the Packers' high-scoring offense in recent years. The 26-year-old topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons, and his 30 scrimmage touchdowns since 2019 are tied for the second-most in the league over that span.
Running back Jamaal Williams and All-Pro center Corey Linsley are also relevant Packers players set to hit the open market this month.
Green Bay's depth chart at running back also features A.J. Dillon, who was drafted in the second round last year.