Aaron Jones' contract: How much of a paycut did Packers RB take to run it back?

Running back Aaron Jones was staring down a $20 million salary cap hit for 2023, "by far the most for a running back" in the NFL, according to NFL media. With the high price tag, the running back's future with the team was in question. The Packers were allegedly ready to cut ties if he didn't agree to a lower salary.

In total, Jones' pay was cut by about $5 million (per agent Drew Rosenhaus). But for that price, the running back will get to keep his commute, locker, teammates, and friendship with Aaron Rodgers.

Will Aaron Jones reach the playoffs with the Packers in 2023?

How long is Aaron Jones' contract with the Packers?

Aaron Jones at Tennessee Titans v Green Bay Packers

The running back's contract essentially runs through the end of the 2024 season. However, the deal makes heavy use of void years. Including void years, the contract technically runs through 2027. That said, the last three years of the deal technically exist, but were only added to help the salary cap hit part of the deal. Once the 2024 season concludes, Aaron Jones will be a free agent.

As it stands, Jones' take-home salary is around $11 million for 2023. In 2024, according to Spotrac, he will carry a cap hit of $17 million. One can expect a similar rework to come once again, as the salary is expected to be close to what this year's original deal was.

Of course, that begs the question of why Aaron Jones and the Packers agreed to a deal that was just going to erode when the rubber met the road. Some theorized that the original number was set to entice Jones to agree to the original deal during negotiations by setting the carrot later down the line.

However, NFL media has claimed that the running back market has taken a downward trend in terms of salaries and this is reflected in Jones' deal. He and A.J. Dillon have proven to be one of the best one-two punches in the league in recent years and that is set to continue.

Jones in particular has proven to be valuable. He's rushed for more than 1,000 yards in three of the last four seasons and has eclipsed 1,000 total yards in all of the last four years.