Today’s Best Bets
Sam Choudhury
After weeks of waiting, the NFL free agency period is now knocking at the door. Fasten your seatbelts because things are about to get wild. With a bountiful crop of free agents set to hit the market, these dominoes will shape the 2021 NFL landscape. One of the league’s best and brightest, Aaron Jones, will possibly find a new home.
Aaron Jones’ journey to free agency
After being selected in the fifth round (182nd overall) by the Green Bay Packers, Jones took a while to take over as the team’s lead back. After suffering through multiple injuries and Mike McCarthy’s buffoonery in his first two seasons, Jones finally ascended to the top spot in the Matt LaFleur era. Over the last two seasons, Jones has averaged 1,508 total yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns. Jones will be looking for a landing spot that will allow him to maintain his status as a team’s primary runner. The hallmark for Jones over the last two seasons has not been overwhelming volume but efficiency. In 2018-2019, Jones ranked ninth and sixth in yards created. Any team that will look to feed him 15-17 touches per game reap this explosive playmaker's rewards.
Best landing spots for Aaron Jones for fantasy football
Green Bay Packers: The Packers declined to place the franchise tag on Jones Tuesday, but that doesn't close the door on his possible return. Landing back in Green Bay for 2021 would not be great for dynasty purposes if you’re looking for multi-year security, but nestling back into an Aaron Rodgers’ led offense would be. Last season, the Packers led the NFL in points per game (31.5). In what looks to again be a top-five scoring offense in the NFL in 2021, Jones’ role and touchdown equity would keep him in that top 12 fantasy running back conversation for the season.
Miami Dolphins: The drop in scoring opportunities would hurt Jones, but his role could get a slight upgrade. Brian Flores and his staff displayed the preference for a three-down workhorse in their offense last season. Anytime Myles Gaskin was healthy enough to suit up, he was the unquestioned three-down workhorse. Gaskin finished with the 15th most red zone rushing attempts in only 10 games played. In what could be an improved offense in Miami in 2021, Jones would be an integral offensive cog.
Worst landing spots for Aaron Jones for fantasy football
Jacksonville Jaguars: This landing spot would be an arrow directed at the heart of Aaron Jones and James Robinson truthers. The Jaguars hold the most cap space in the NFL ($85.6 million). Jacksonville looking to surround their upcoming franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a bevy of talent can’t be ruled out. Jones would land on a team with a ton of raw talent, but James Robinson could be a thorn in his side. Jamaal Williams was a similar specter over the last two seasons. There’s no debate that James Robinson is a more talented player that has shown the ability to function as a team’s primary and red zone runner.
New York Jets: The Jets have the second-most cap space ($77.0 million) and a gaping hole at running back. New York will look to address the position this offseason, and Aaron Jones could be at the top of their wishlist. If this comes to fruition, this could be upgraded to one of the best landing spots if the Jets upgrade their quarterback position (*wink* Deshaun Watson), but as it stands right now, Sam Darnold and this offensive line are lackluster at best. Last season, New York finished 25th in second-level yards and 31st in open field yards generated.
