Steelers, Packers named best landing spots for released $20 million running back

The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers both had a solid one-two punch at running back last season.

Emanuel Wilson proved to be highly effective backing up Josh Jacobs in Green Bay and Kenneth Gainwell was a massive steal for Pittsburgh after being named team MVP while serving as the complement to Jaylen Warren.

But Wilson was not tendered by the Packers, making him an unrestricted free agent, and Gainwell is uncertain to return to the Steelers as he heads to free agency for an expected raise following a career year.

As things stand now, the competition to be Jacobs' backup in Green Bay will be between two unproven players in Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd, while Pittsburgh may have to lean on the unproven Kaleb Johnson as its RB2.

Knowing that, Sports Illustrated's Evan Geitheim named the Steelers and Packers as the best landing spots for recently released former Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones, who was cut loose in the final year of his $20 million contract.

Best fits: Steelers, Packers

The Vikings are releasing running back Aaron Jones as they look to clear up cap space. Jones didn’t have his most productive season in 2025, rushing for 542 yards and two touchdowns over 12 games, but he is a great leader and could succeed again in a new spot.

Jones had a very productive first season in Minnesota, ripping off 1,130 rushing yards, 407 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns.

However, Jones struggled to stay healthy in 2025, appearing in just 12 games. That, combined with the fact that he'll be 32 this December and the Vikings' need for cap space, were all factors in Minnesota letting Jones go.

Jones' days as a starter are probably over, but he would still amount to a strong RB2 option for any team given his prowess as a runner and pass-catcher. The veteran is also a strong leader and would offer a boost to a team's locker room.

The former Pro Bowler has a connection to both teams. Of course, he spent the vast majority of his career with the Packers, where he played under Matt LaFleur and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy.

Jones also has a connection to Steelers pending free agent Aaron Rodgers, who would surely welcome the running back to Pittsburgh if he returns.

We would peg the Steelers as the more likely landing spot because we believe the Packers will stick with the in-house options they have.

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