The Green Bay Packers bid adieu to their long-time quarterback Aaron Rodgers and ushered in a new era with Jordan Love. The team’s performance in the first phase of the 2023 season was not very notable. However, the young squad blossomed in the latter part of the campaign with a phenomenal resurgence from Love.
The Packers postseason journey ended with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but they are hopeful to keep up the streak in the upcoming season. The team has made a big roster move by cutting off running back Aaron Jones after enrolling Josh Jacobs in their squad.
Packers cut Aaron Jones after signing Josh Jacobs
The recent acquisition of former Las Vegas Raiders’ Josh Jacobs has led to the release of Aaron Jones. The decision to part ways with Jones follows failed contract negotiations between the team and the running back, who was entering the final year of his contract in 2024 and slated to earn $12 million for the season.
After reaching agreement today with free-agent RB Josh Jacobs, the Packers informed RB Aaron Jones that he is being released, per source. Jones now will be a free agent. pic.twitter.com/KsZAfhl5lW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
Jones faced setbacks in 2023 due to injuries, limiting him to just 11 games. However, he showcased remarkable productivity by rushing for over 100 yards in the last five games of Green Bay’s season, including two playoff appearances.
The veteran achieved 1,000 scrimmage yards four times, recorded three seasons with double-digit touchdowns. He left the Packers with the third-highest rushing yards in franchise history at 5,940. His 45 rushing touchdowns rank fourth, and his 272 receptions stand at 19th in team history.
The unexpected move coincides with the Packers’ ambitious signing of Josh Jacobs, who became available as the Raiders decided against exercising his fifth-year option. Jacobs entered unrestricted free agency after the Raiders signed him to a one-year deal worth $11.791 million. He managed 805 rushing yards along with 1,101 scrimmage yards last season.
Xavier McKinney signs a four-year, $68M Packers contract
The Packers secured the services of free-agent safety Xavier McKinney in a blockbuster four-year contract worth $68 million. The deal was confirmed by McKinney’s agent, David Mulugheta. It positions him among the NFL’s highest-paid safeties, with an average annual salary of $17 million.
More Packers moves: Free-agent safety Xavier McKinney is signing a four-year, $68 million deal – a $17M per year average – with the Green Bay Packers. Agent David Mulugheta confirmed the deal. pic.twitter.com/tNy4F6YkHc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
McKinney’s arrival follows the departure of safety Darnell Savage, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier on Monday. He showcased his prowess in coverage during the 2023 season by earning a remarkable 91.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest among NFL safeties. His stellar performance included three interceptions and an impressive zero passing touchdowns allowed.
The safety’s 41.4 passer rating as the primary defender in coverage ranked seventh league wide. With 279 career tackles, nine interceptions, and two forced fumbles to his name, McKinney brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to the Packers’ defensive unit.
