‘Listening’ Packers Projected as Landing Spot for $10 Million Cowboys Star
One thing that has become clear about this Green Bay Packers season is that, through all the highs and lows, the team has gotten a pretty clear picture of its running back situation. And that is likely to mean the position will be overhauled in the coming months when NFL free agency hits.
Aaron Jones turns 29 next week, which serves as a handy expiration date for modern NFL running backs. He was injured in the Chargers game in Week 11, and was inactive for Week 12, the fourth time he has been inactive this season. Far from being the star lead back the Packers had hoped this season, Jones has 66 carries for 245 yards, an underwhelming 3.7 yards per carry.
A.J. Dillon has picked up some of the slack, but with 131 carries and 448 yards, he has not been a picture or reliability, either.
That’s why it was notable this week when Spotrac examined several 2024 free-agent running backs and picked the Packers as one of the three teams that would be “listening” on a contract offer for Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, currently on a franchise-tagged one-year, $10.1 million contract.
Cowboys in a Tough Spot in NFL Free Agency
Here’s how contract analyst Mike Ginnitti of Spotrac explained the Tony Pollard likely outcome this week, noting that the Cowboys have priorities on the roster well ahead of Pollard—namely, star quarterback Dak Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb, both of whom could be the top-paid players at their positions.
That could present an opportunity for the Packers in NFL free agency:
“The Cowboys have contracts to hand out left and right this Winter/Spring, including a couple of blockbusters for Prescott & Lamb. A $13M second franchise tag for Pollard seems inconceivable right now, but so does any sort of multi-year guaranteed extension if we’re being honest. Pollard hits the open market, seeking a cap adjusted version of Miles Sanders’ free agent deal (3 years, $20.5M). Green Bay, Chicago, & Buffalo are listening,” Ginnitti wrote.
The Packers currently have the 19th-rated run game, according to Pro Football Focus’ grading system. Dillon is rated the 20th running back in the league, with a solid grade of 72.0, but Jones has struggled even when healthy, with a grade of 59.4. That’s 50th among 57 running backs.
