This past offseason, the Green Bay Packers made a statement. Green Bay ushered in a new era by trading Aaron Rodgers and not re-signing numerous long-term veterans. Jordan Love and the swarm of youthful weapons surrounding him. Many of those have already shown significant promise in this league.
The Packers will need to start thinking about running back in the long term, however. Of course, Aaron Jones is one of the team’s top players and is adored by practically all Packers fans. His age (29), previous injuries, and 2024 cap charge (17M) have put doubt on his ability to play next season. If the team decides to part ways with Jones, there is one player who could step in and try to replace his output.
The Green Bay Packers have been named the top candidate to replace star 25-year-old NFC rival running back
Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey explained what this means:
During his four-year NFL career, Antonio Gibson has mostly gone unnoticed by the majority of fans.
The 25-year-old developed into a solid third-down back with the Washington Commanders, and he could be one of the free-agent second-tier running backs.
Washington may be willing to not re-sign Gibson because it already has Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez on its roster and cannot afford to pay additional money on a running back when the team wants to improve in all areas.
In free agency, Green Bay may trade Dillon for Gibson to have a genuine third-down back to back up Aaron Jones.
Gibson has caught at least 40 catches in each of the last three seasons and is on pace for a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2021.
He’d be acquired to primarily thrive in the passing game, but Gibson could also stand in for Jones when needed and keep the Packers offense moving.
Will the Packers make an offseason investment in the running back position?
The Packers last made a significant investment in the running back position in the 2020 NFL Draft, when they selected A.J. Dillon in the second round. With Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon’s futures uncertain, the 2024 offseason appears to be an ideal moment for the organization to look long-term at the position.
If they don’t fall in love with a running back prospect in the draft, signing an established young running back in free agency makes a lot of sense.
