From Inside Training Camp: The #Packers recognized one of the game's most underrated players yesterday, reaching a 4-year, $70M extension with NT Kenny Clark. Now, they can turn their attention to some other key priorities. pic.twitter.com/hjAaeQ72yt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2020
With Kenny Clark under contract for the next five years, the Green Bay Packers can turn their attention to another star player in need of a new deal.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, running back Aaron Jones could be next, as he’s considered a “priority” for the Packers now that Clark’s deal is done.
“This is not the only contractual priority that they have… Aaron Jones, their standout running back, certainly that is someone who is a priority for them,” Rapoport said on NFL Network. “They’d like to get him paid.”
The Packers paid big for Clark, signing the Pro Bowl interior disruptor to a four-year, $70 million extension on Saturday. GM Brian Gutekunst and Russ Ball can now turn their attention to several others needing new deals, including Jones, left tackle David Bakhtiari and cornerback Kevin King.
Jones, 25, might play the least important position of the bunch, but he’s emerged as a legitimate playmaker for Matt LaFleur and the Packers offense, gaining over 1,500 total yards and scoring an NFL-high 19 total touchdowns during the 2019 season.
The Packers drafted A.J. Dillon in the second round, potentially providing insurance should negotiations fall through with Jones, but there’s clearly strong interest from the team’s side in getting something done with one of the game’s most explosive young runners.
The feeling is likely mutual. Back in May, Jones said he’d “love to be a lifelong Packer.”
Jones, a fifth-round pick in 2017, is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2020. Over his first 40 NFL games, Jones has produced 2,962 total yards and scored 32 touchdowns.
The former UTEP star is due to make $2,133,000 in base salary during the 2020 season.
