Packers React Results: Majority of fans express desire to retain Aaron Jones
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Let’s delve into the reactions from Green Bay Packers fans regarding the team’s recent free agency signings. Generally, fans exhibit positive sentiments towards the acquisitions of safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs, although one signing garnered more favorable responses than the other.
Packers fans overwhelmingly applaud the team’s decision to sign safety Xavier McKinney in free agency. Despite inking a four-year, $67 million contract, which positions the non-Pro Bowler among the highest-paid safeties in the league, fans express sheer enthusiasm over securing the top free agent at a position that was notably vacant prior to the offseason.
As previously detailed, McKinney’s contract structure essentially amounts to a two-year, $36.9 million deal, with team options for the subsequent years. With the Packers boasting nearly $90 million in cap space for the 2025 season, this agreement is deemed low-risk, considering the team’s ability to retain its talent moving forward, despite any perceived overpayment. Ultimately, 96 percent of fans awarded the McKinney signing an A or B grade, with only 1 percent assigning a D or F grade.
Meanwhile, the addition of running back Josh Jacobs receives slightly less unanimous approval from Packers fans, albeit still viewed positively by 77 percent of respondents who awarded the deal an A or B grade. Some fans express reservations about Jacobs’ productivity during the 2022 season, given the stature of his contract. However, Jacobs’ market value was reportedly driven up by considerable interest from numerous teams in free agency. Additionally, there’s speculation among fans regarding the alternative option of retaining fan favorite Aaron Jones at a potentially lower short-term cost.
Regarding Jones, less than one-third of Packers fans indicate they would have allowed the running back to depart in the offseason. Reports suggest that the Packers proposed a pay cut from Jones’ $12 million salary in 2024, with their final offer comprising a one-year deal with a base salary of $4 million, which could increase by $2 million through incentives earned during the 2024 season. However, Jones’ camp declined this contract, leading to his release from the team. He eventually signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, with the potential to earn an additional $1 million in incentives for the season.
