With the 2021 NFL franchise tag deadline quickly approaching, the Green Bay Packers opted not to mark their bell-cow running back Aaron Jones — allowing the rugged runner to hit free agency.

Though, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he might not get far:

The former UTEP star and 2017 Packers fifth-rounder has been nothing but spectacular for the cheeseheads during the early part of his career. Just 26 years old, he's still very much in the prime of his running days. In 2019, he led the league in rushing touchdowns (16) and combined rushing/receiving touchdowns (19), and in 2020 he was selected to his first Pro Bowl after racking up 11 rushing touchdowns and more than 1,400 yards from the line of scrimmage.

Article Continues Below
More Green Bay Packers News
packers, Lukas Van Ness
1 Green Bay Packers player with most to prove at OTAsGarrett Kerman ·
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Packers’ Matt LaFleur comes to Jordan Love’s defense amid regression talkSteve Silverman ·
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 5, 2024 at Lambeau Field. at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Josh Jacobs’ strong take on 2024 season will fire up Packers fansMike Gianakos ·
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur walks to the field against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Packers add another intriguing WR to deep groupJackson Stone ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) is unable to make a reception during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, December 29, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Packers rumors: Insider names ‘most obvious’ WR trade candidateBen Strauss ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) flexes as he does a “Lambeau Leap” with Packers fans after scoring a touchdown.
Packers’ Christian Watson gets promising OTA update from Matt LaFleurJosh Davis ·

According to Bill Huber of FanNation Packer Central, Green Bay woke up this morning a shade above $12 million of the cap floor. And with the running back market likely in the $8 million/year range (or higher, thanks to guys like Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry), paying Jones to stay with the Packers will be a challenge.

Jones has 30 total touchdowns and more than 3,000 yards from scrimmage over his last 30 games, serving as a key fuselage for future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He's undoubtedly earned his payday, too, but the expected salary cap will be around $180-$185 million, leaving a pretty tight squeeze for Packers GM Brian Gutekunst.

The NFL will announce its 2021 salary cap just before the new year, which begins on March 17 at 4 p.m. EST (noon PST).