As the Green Bay Packers continue to build and develop their roster for the future, one question has been dominating headlines: Could they be open to trading one of their highest-paid players? With a reported $84 million contract on the books, there’s been significant speculation surrounding whether the Packers would consider moving a star player, especially as they look to balance their salary cap and pursue long-term success.
The Packers are no strangers to making bold moves, whether it’s in the draft or through trades. Over the years, the team has been known to make tough decisions, whether it’s parting ways with a fan-favorite or moving on from a player to create cap space or gain future assets. This potential trade involving a player with a massive contract would undoubtedly be a game-changing decision for the team, and it has left fans, analysts, and football insiders eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
In this blog post, we’ll explore which player the Green Bay Packers might be considering for trade, how the $84 million contract affects the team, and the potential impact of such a move on the Packers’ future.
### **Who Could the $84 Million Star Be?**
As of the 2025 NFL season, one player who fits the description of a star player with a significant contract is none other than **Aaron Jones**, the Packers’ talented running back. Jones has been one of the most dynamic and explosive players for the Packers over the past few seasons, making a name for himself with his ability to break tackles, contribute in the passing game, and be a key focal point of the Packers’ offense.
In 2023, Aaron Jones signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension that solidified his place as one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. At the time, the deal was seen as a reward for Jones’ consistent performance, including his impressive yards-per-carry average and his versatility as a dual-threat running back. However, as the salary cap continues to evolve and the Packers adjust to their long-term roster plans, questions have arisen about whether Jones’ contract is sustainable in the long run.
Running back is a position that has seen a shift in the NFL’s approach over recent years, with many teams opting to go with cheaper, younger backs rather than investing heavily in long-term contracts for established stars. This trend has led to speculation that the Packers may consider trading Jones, especially as they focus on building for the future with young talent and managing their salary cap effectively.
### **Why Would the Packers Consider a Trade?**
There are several reasons why the Green Bay Packers might entertain the idea of trading Aaron Jones, despite his clear talent and value to the team. Let’s break down some of the key factors that could influence such a decision.
#### **Salary Cap Concerns**
The Packers are known for their ability to manage the salary cap, and that often means making difficult decisions about where to allocate resources. The NFL salary cap is always a balancing act, and teams need to be strategic about how they spend their money. While Aaron Jones is a highly productive player, his $84 million contract is a significant portion of the team’s salary cap. As the Packers look to solidify their roster and build for the future, they may feel that freeing up cap space by trading Jones would allow them to address other needs, particularly in areas like the offensive line, defense, or adding additional weapons for young quarterback Jordan Love.
Moreover, the Packers have made it clear that they are in a transition period, shifting from the Aaron Rodgers era to a new chapter led by Love. Given that the team is in the process of rebuilding and developing young talent, allocating such a large chunk of their cap space to a running back may no longer align with their long-term goals. Moving on from Jones’ contract could open the door for the team to invest more in other positions that are critical for the team’s future success.
#### **Deeper Running Back Room**
Another reason the Packers might consider trading Jones is the strength of their current running back room. The Packers have shown that they have capable players behind Jones who can step into a larger role. AJ Dillon, a power back with a strong running style, has shown flashes of greatness, particularly in short-yardage situations and as a bruising runner between the tackles. Dillon’s ability to complement Jones has been an asset for Green Bay, but it’s also created a situation where the team may feel comfortable relying more on Dillon and other backs like Patrick Taylor or even rookie talent, without losing too much in production.
Additionally, running back by committee is becoming more of a trend across the league. With younger, cheaper backs entering the fold, the Packers could feel that moving on from Jones wouldn’t drastically diminish their running game, especially given Dillon’s growth and the depth they have behind him.
#### **Team Building for the Future**
As previously mentioned, the Packers are in the midst of a transition from a team built around future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers to one centered on the development of Jordan Love. While Jones is an explosive playmaker and has been a key part of the Packers’ offensive success over the years, the Packers’ long-term vision may no longer revolve around heavily investing in the running back position. Instead, the team may opt to build around Love and prioritize surrounding him with young, inexpensive weapons, strengthening their defense, and securing the offensive line for years to come.
Trading Jones would give the Packers more flexibility to make moves to build a team around Love. The trade could also result in acquiring future draft picks or players that better fit the team’s new direction, allowing them to continue to reshape the roster for a sustained run of success.
### **What Would a Trade Look Like?**
If the Green Bay Packers were to trade Aaron Jones, several potential trade scenarios could unfold. One of the most likely outcomes is that the Packers could receive a combination of future draft picks, potentially including high-round selections in the upcoming drafts. Teams that are in need of an established running back and a leader on offense might be willing to part with valuable assets in exchange for a proven commodity like Jones, especially if they’re in a win-now situation.
The trade would also have to be structured in a way that allows the Packers to offload as much of Jones’ contract as possible, which could make negotiations tricky. Given that Jones is under contract for several more years, there would likely need to be a restructuring of the deal in order to facilitate a trade, with the Packers potentially taking on some dead cap space in exchange for freeing up more cap space in future seasons.
### **Potential Destinations for Aaron Jones**
If the Packers were to entertain trading Jones, several teams could be interested in acquiring the star running back. Contenders that have struggled with their running game, such as the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, or even the Kansas City Chiefs, might look to add Jones to their backfield as a proven playmaker. Additionally, teams with younger quarterbacks or those looking to bolster their offense might view Jones as a missing piece that can elevate their game.
A trade to a team that is in need of a veteran leader in the backfield could result in a great fit, with Jones potentially thriving in a new offensive system and offering leadership to a young locker room.
### **Conclusion: The Packers’ Next Move**
The Green Bay Packers’ decision regarding Aaron Jones and his $84 million contract will ultimately come down to their long-term goals and salary cap flexibility. While trading Jones would be a difficult decision given his impact on the field, it’s a move that could help the Packers set themselves up for sustained success in the years to come.
As the team continues to transition to a new era with Jordan Love at the helm, the Packers must remain focused on building for the future. Whether that means parting ways with a star player like Jones or making other moves to bolster their roster, one thing is clear: the Packers are in a phase of evolution, and every decision will be crucial as they work to return to contention in the NFC.
In the coming months, Packers fans will eagerly await clarity on whether the team decides to make a move with their star running back, and how that decision will shape the team’s future.
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