Could Chris Carson be an Aaron Jones replacement for Packers?
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The Green Bay Packers might have a veteran running back in mind if free agent Aaron Jones doesn’t return in 2021.
According to Dianna Russini of ESPN, there is some buzz that the Packers would be interested in running back Chris Carson if they lose Jones in free agency.
“Chris Carson is a name I’ve heard buzzing around if Aaron Jones doesn’t come back,” Russini said on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Jones, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2020, is expected to be coveted as one of the top available offensive free agents when the new league year opens later this month. If the Packers don’t franchise tag him or agree to terms on a long-term deal before the start of free agency, Jones will likely leave Green Bay and find a lucrative multi-year deal on the open market.
Carson, who has rushed for 3,270 yards and scored 28 total touchdowns in 45 games over his first four NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, could help the Packers fill a Jones-sized hole at running back.
Pro Football Focus recently picked Carson as the perfect free-agent match for the Packers.
“Hidden away in Seattle, Carson has been one of the best runners in the league over the past few seasons, grading among the top 10 running backs in each of the previous three seasons and ranking third among running backs in yards after contact per attempt (3.4) over those years,” PFF’s Seth Galina wrote.
Carson rushed for over 1,100 yards in both 2018 ad 2019. He’s scored nine total touchdowns during each of the last three years, although he’s also fumbled 11 times in his career.
A tough runner with a 4.6-yard career average and a capable receiver out of the backfield, Carson fits the profile of a player who could play the Aaron Jones role in the Packers’ offense. And while Jones is going to find a lucrative market in free agency, it’s possible Carson could end up being a bargain.
A running back tandem of Carson and A.J. Dillon could be effective and cost-efficient.
Signing Carson in free agency would likely mean the Packers lose both Jones and Jamaal Williams, who have combined for over 2,000 total yards during each of the last two seasons.
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What are the Packers' options at running back this offseason?
