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

1. James Conner

Conner’s production has fallen off somewhat over the last two years in Pittsburgh, but that decline could be explained by the drop-off in the quality of blocking ahead of him. That gives the Packers a chance to land him on a value contract in free agency.

That doesn’t mean Conner will sign on the cheap. He’s still looking at a deal that will land him somewhere between $6 and $8 million per year on the open market. Green Bay is a team that can get enough production from the talented running back to turn that deal into a positive value.

Unlike the other guys on this list, Conner could step in and be Green Bay’s starting running back right away. That doesn’t mean he should get 250+ carries. He could really benefit from working in a timeshare with Dillon. Conner lacks the size to take a serious pounding for 16 games. Decreasing his weekly workload could do wonders for his efficiency.

Conner is just the sort of versatile back who can help boost both the Packers’ rushing and receiving game. He was a huge weapon for Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh. He can have a similar effect on Aaron Rodgers moving forward in Green Bay.