Report: Steelers among Teams Interested in Packers RB Aaron Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers are among the team that have expressed interested in upcoming Green Bay Packers free agent running back Aaron Jones, according to a report by Evan Massey of NFL Analysis Network.

Jones is also reportedly being pursued by the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, according to Massey, in addition to the Packers, who would like to re-sign their leading rusher.

#Packers running back Aaron Jones is expected to receive heavy interest from the #Dolphins, #49ers, #Steelers, and #Bears. Plenty of other teams will have interest, but those four are teams to keep a close eye on. Green Bay would still like to re-sign him as well.

— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) February 5, 2021

Massey did not divulge the nature of the Steelers’ interest. According to league rules, teams cannot speak with free agents-to-be or their representatives until March.

Jones earned $2.18 million in 2020 on the final year of a four-year contract, and given his statistical performance, is likely due a substantial raise.

In 2020, Jones set a career high with 1,104 rushing yards, his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, and also caught 47 passes for 355 yards while scoring 11 total touchdowns. His 5.5 yards per carry significantly led all other Green Bay running backs. Backup Jamaal Williams averaged 4.2 yards on 119 carries for 505 yards.

The Steelers do not have a favorable salary cap situation entering the 2021 offseason, with the team a projected $30 million over the cap, but do have a need brewing at the running back position, where three-year starter James Conner is expected to move on with his contract also expiring.