Jones’ 2016 season, like many of his teammates, will now be one in which he’s playing for his next payday.
The Packers had the option to let Jones’ rookie contract expire after the season or agree to pay him over $8 million in 2017. That decision is pretty much a no-brainer.
The Packers did the same thing last year when they decided to decline 2012 first-rounder Nick Perry’s option. They ultimately re-signed Perry to a one-year, $5 million deal this offseason.
Although we have high hopes for Jones now that he’s going to be a full-time outside linebacker, his production thus far doesn’t warrant $8 million in 2017.