Packers' Jones: Love 'definitely ready' if Rodgers leaves

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones believes quarterback Jordan Love can take over as starter if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return for next season.

Rodgers is currently deciding whether to return to the Packers for a 19th season, seek a trade, or retire. Jones explained he'd love to continue lining up with the 39-year-old but has full confidence in Love should he take the reins.

"Us guys in the locker room, we know we control what we can control. ... If (Rodgers is) here, great, we love it. If he's not, we'll be sad. We'd lose one of our leaders, one of our great locker room guys," Jones said Friday on the "Around the NFL" podcast, according to NFL.com's Bobby Kownack. It's hard to replace somebody like that. But I think if that was to happen, Jordan is definitely ready."

Love has made one start and 10 appearances for the Packers since being drafted 26th overall in 2020. The 24-year-old has completed 60.2% of his passes for 606 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Utah State product would become just the third quarterback since 1993 to start a Week 1 game for the Packers, joining Rodgers and Brett Favre.

Jones should be the club's starting running back regardless of who's under center in 2023.

"I feel good where I'm at with the team," said Jones. "I talked to (general manager Brian Gutekunst), he came out and said they want me back. Maybe a restructure or whatever, maybe, but they want me back there. To be wanted is a great feeling."

Jones is set to enter next season with the league's highest cap hit at the running back position at just over $20 million. The 28-year-old currently ranks third on the franchise's all-time rushing list with 5,284 yards, trailing Jim Taylor (8,204) and Ahman Green (8,322).