The Green Bay Packers put the final nail in the coffin for Aaron Jones.
The Green Bay Packers chose to part ways with 29-year-old Aaron Jones this offseason. The experienced running back will turn 30 at the end of the 2024 season. After Jones refused to accept yet another big pay cut, the Packers opted to let him go. Jones decided to join with one of the Packers’ main rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, in a matter of days.
Packers fans were devastated by the decision, as Jones had become one of the fan favorites in Green Bay over the years. However, signing with the Vikings immediately made him public enemy number one among many of those supporters.
Now the Packers have placed the final nail in the coffin of the Jones era in Green Bay.
The Green Bay Packers put the final nail in the coffin of the Aaron Jones era.
According to NFL Jersey Numbers, Evan Williams, a safety from the University of Oregon, was chosen by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. During his career at Oregon, Williams wore No. 33, which the Packers instantly assigned him.
Jones, who wore No. 33 for the Packers for seven years, may not appreciate it. Throughout his career in Green Bay, he totaled 5,940 running yards, 2,076 receiving yards, and 63 touchdowns.
Because he had no intention of leaving Green Bay, the former UTEP product may have taken it worse.
Evan Williams may be asked to play a significant role for the Packers
Williams joins a team in serious need of a makeover at the Safety position. After losing both Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens, the Packers needed a lot of new talent at the position.
The Packers did not hesitate to do just that. Signing free agency standout Xavier McKinney was only the beginning. The Packers also selected three safeties in the draft: Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo. Dane Brugler’s official scouting report for Williams is as follows:
Williams, a one-year starter at Oregon, was a versatile safety in head coach Dan Lanning’s balanced defense. After four years at Fresno State, he transferred to Eugene for the 2023 season, where he led the Ducks in tackles and finished with 45 career starts.
Williams has the size of a free safety, but he thinks like a box safety, with his meticulous run support and determination to drop the hammer. Though he reacts effectively to front-facing throws, he has difficulty identifying the ball downfield, and his coverage mistakes result in big plays for the offense.
Overall, Williams lacks playmaking instincts in the deep half of the field, but he is a dynamic field presence with a trigger and toughness that are admirable. He projects as a backup strong safety and core special teamer in the vein of Alohi Gilman.”
Some consider Williams to be a hybrid linebacker/box safety. His versatility has led to some similarities to Micah Hyde. Williams may become the team’s primary box safety.
