The Miami Dolphins are quickly becoming one of the top up-and-coming teams in the NFL. After drafting Tua Tagovailoa and making some smart moves in the offseason, they are a legitimate playoff contender this season. Now, another big move could be made this coming offseason with the pursuit of Green Bay Packers impending free agent running back Aaron Jones.
Jones is set to hit the open market unless the Packers work out a new deal with him. At this point in time, Green Bay does not appear to have anything in the works for Jones.
Pro Football Focus took a look at Jones’ upcoming free agency and they have projected that he will end up signing a four-year, $45 million contract with the Dolphins.
Over the last couple of years with the Packers, Jones has become one of the top running backs in the league. He has been a touchdown machine and has taken a lot of pressure off of Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay would love to keep him, but they may not be willing to pay the money he will require.
So far this season, Jones has carried the football 180 times for 968 yards and eight touchdowns. He has also caught 41 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns. His rushing numbers average out to 5.4 yards per carry.
Looking at the Dolphins, one of their biggest needs is finding a legitimate running back. They have some talent at the position, but no one who can be a workhorse. With a young quarterback, a legitimate rushing attack is very important.
Jones and Tagovailoa would be a long-term tandem in the backfield for the Dolphins. He would help on the ground and as he has shown with the Packers, is a more than capable receiver out of the backfield.
Miami has been looking to be aggressive, but they are being smart with their aggressiveness. Paying big money to a running back can be dangerous, but Jones is just 26 years old and the Packers have not overworked him. This would be the one guy that might just be worth spending on.
Granted, there is still a chance that Aaron Jones could end up back with the Packers. He has made it clear that he would prefer to remain in Green Bay. However, he could move on quickly if Green Bay doesn’t want to pay him.
Expect to hear about quite a few teams showing interest in signing Jones this offseason. He will be a hot commodity. The Dolphins should absolutely be one of them.
