Former Packers great Donald Driver has stirred the pot this offseason with bold advice for GM Brian Gutekunst: trade veteran running back Aaron Jones to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Javonte Williams — and save crucial cap space in the process.
Green Bay, now a serious contender in the NFC after a breakout season from quarterback Jordan Love, faces a delicate salary cap situation heading into 2025. The team has just $17.3 million in cap space remaining after locking in key defensive pieces and restructuring Love’s contract extension.
Aaron Jones, beloved by fans and locker room alike, remains productive but carries a $12.8 million cap hit in 2025. Trading him would result in $6.9 million in dead cap, but free up over $5.9 million in usable space — per OverTheCap.
In contrast, Javonte Williams, still on a rookie contract with the Broncos, has just a $2.3 million cap hit for the 2025 season. Though coming off an injury, he showed flashes of elite dual-threat potential — a perfect fit for Matt LaFleur’s outside zone scheme.
Driver, speaking on “The Leap Podcast,” didn’t hold back:
“I love Aaron, but this is a business. If you want to win now with Jordan Love, you need a backfield that can carry the load and give you budget flexibility.”
The Packers could use that cap relief to shore up depth at wide receiver or along the offensive line — especially after losing key starters in free agency.
Fans have reacted with mixed emotions.
@CheeseHeadCentral wrote: “Trading Jones would break my heart — but maybe it’s time.”
While @GBDraftScout said: “Williams fits this system better. Make the call, Gute.”
While neither team has publicly acknowledged discussions, the logic behind the trade is clear: shed veteran salary, gain younger legs, and keep Green Bay competitive in a loaded NFC playoff race.
If Gutekunst takes Driver’s advice, it could signal the start of a new era in the Packers’ backfield — one built for both power and long-term sustainability.
