‘Cowboys should have their speed dial ready;if the Packers decides that saving money at running back is more important…

The Dallas Cowboys are closely observing the running back market, particularly keeping an eye on the situation surrounding Aaron Jones. There’s a possibility, albeit slim, that the Cowboys could benefit if circumstances don’t favor the Green Bay Packers, who are currently deliberating over Aaron Jones’s future. The Packers are attempting to negotiate a salary reduction with Jones for the second consecutive year. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the financially constrained Packers might be compelled to release Jones.

This scenario presents a significant opportunity for the Cowboys to acquire a highly talented running back who finished the previous season strongly and could be available at a discounted price as he seeks to demonstrate his worth. While there is some risk involved for the Cowboys or any other team interested in signing Jones if he becomes available through waivers, the potential benefits are too enticing to ignore.

According to Jason La Canfora, an NFL insider for The Washington Post, “If Jones is cut, I would expect him to get immediate calls from Baltimore and Dallas, among others.”

The prospect of joining the Cowboys would be particularly appealing for Jones if he perceives that the Packers are undervaluing him financially. Jones is currently in the final year of a four-year, $48 million contract, scheduled to receive $12 million this year. He agreed to a $5 million salary reduction last year, and it would be reasonable for him to resist further reductions this year.

However, according to Spotrac, his current market value is estimated at $5.1 million per year. Undoubtedly, Jones has been overpaid relative to his performance, which was hampered by injuries. Despite missing six games and not being at full health for much of the season, Jones demonstrated his dynamic abilities, particularly in the latter part of the season and playoffs. His impressive performances, including rushing for 118 yards and three touchdowns in the Packers’ playoff victory over the Cowboys, serve as evidence of his top-tier talent when healthy.

While there’s a possibility that the Packers may reach a compromise with Jones on a revised contract, if they don’t, they will find themselves in a competitive running back market, which would greatly interest the Cowboys. With Dallas’s current running back Tony Pollard becoming a free agent, the team may seek a replacement.

The Packers, with a promising young quarterback still on a rookie contract, might prioritize financial savings at the running back position over retaining Jones, especially given his injury history. In such a scenario, the Cowboys should be prepared to act swiftly.