Aaron Jones would make the Arizona Cardinals offense elite
By Jim Koch
The rushing attack of the Arizona Cardinals has made significant strides over the past couple of seasons. Back in 2018, the squad’s running game ranked dead-last in the NFL. That area of the offense climbed to 10th-overall in 2019, and jumped up three more spots to 7th-overall in the league last fall.
Kenyan Drake, a trade acquisition in October of ’19, was a major reason for the impressive improvement made by the Cards. However, the 27-year old is set to test the free agent waters, and could very well move on this offseason. A replacement for Drake will be needed if that occurs, and there’s a very attractive name being bantered about who would look tremendous in a Cardinals uniform.
Aaron Jones, a fifth-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers back in 2017, is arguably the best running back on this year’s free-agent list. The 26-year old has just completed his rookie deal, and will be looking for big-time money in 2021. Will Arizona enter the bidding war that’s certain to take place for the supremely-talented Jones?
There’s no doubt that Jones would be a great fit for head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s “Air Raid” offense. The 5’9, 207 pounder is an all-purpose performer who can cause problems for opposing defenses with both his legs and hands. Here’s what Jones has accomplished during his four campaigns with the Packers.
As a rookie back in ’17, Jones rumbled for 448 yards and four touchdowns in a part-time role for the “Pack”. The University of Texas-El Paso product also added nine receptions in 12 appearances (four starts) for the team. Jones was splitting time with both Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery at the time, but his role would expand the next season.
In 2018, Jones rushed for 728 yards and eight scores, and hauled in 26 passes for 206 yards and an additional touchdown. A year later, the Georgia native tallied 1,084 yards and an eye-popping 16 scores on the ground. Jones also caught 49 balls for 474 yards and another three touchdowns through the air during the 2019 campaign.
Last fall, Jones amassed 1,104 yards and nine scores on the ground. He was credited with 47 receptions as well, for another 355 yards and two touchdowns in 14 starts for Green Bay. Jones was voted to the first Pro Bowl of his career for his solid play in 2020.
It would be surprisng if Cards general manager Steve Keim didn’t at least kick the tires on Jones. Drake could very well be the club’s first option, but there’s no guarantee he will remain with the organization. Jones would be an excellent alternative if Drake does ultimately leave the Cardinals.