Packers: 3 running backs who can replace Aaron Jones in Green Bay

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 22: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball as Daniel Thomas #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars defends during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

1 of 3

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 16: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 16, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

The Packers aren’t going to pay the premium required to keep Aaron Jones this offseason. Here are three running backs who can replace him in Green Bay.

Green Bay’s front office took a lot of flack last season for spending a second round pick on running back A.J. Dillon. The truth is, it was a future-proofing move for the franchise. The Packers knew they weren’t going to pay the money required to keep Aaron Jones for the long haul.

Dillon is in line to get a lot of carries for Matt LaFleur in 2021, but he needs a quality partner in the Packers’ backfield if this team is going to emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Aaron Rodgers is still a great quarterback, but he needs more help on the offensive side of the ball.

Fortunately for the Packers, there are a number of quality running backs available in both free agency and the draft. The trick will be identifying the right guy to maximize their timeshare in 2021. Green Bay should keep a close eye on the following three backs.

3. Kenneth Gainwell

Gainwell opted out of the 2020 season for Memphis, but his 2019 tape shows him to be an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. He lacks the size to soak up many carries between the tackles, but he is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball in space.

Rodgers is the perfect quarterback to take advantage of Gainwell’s unique skill set. He isn’t the wide receiver addition Packers fans are desperate to see this offseason, but he would give the team another valuable weapon in the passing game. He’s just the sort of partner Dillon needs in the team’s backfield.

Home/Green Bay Packers