Topics are needed more than ever for sportswriters. I know it as a sports blogger. Thankfully, I do not report to anyone so I can write stories about movies, TV shows, and reality television to supplant the few sports stories going on in today’s weird world. The topic of Jonathan Taylor and drafting a running back early has begun to bubble again in the local media. If you recall, that topic annoyed me a month ago. It is still annoying, but there is one way that drafting a running back early makes sense for the Packers.

Reports came out earlier this year that Aaron Jones and the Packers were talking about a contract extension. They were merely talks and things did not advance further at this time. It is not stated who started those conversations, but I’m willing to bet it was Green Bay, not Jones. Why? Packers likely want a gut check from Jones’ team on what he is expecting for a salary in the years come. If Jones is asking to be paid like Todd Gurley did or Ezekeil Elliott, the Packers will move on and find a new running back. If he is asking for money like Austin Ekeler, a deal can probably be done.

If the Packers know that Jones is unlikely coming back, they should draft a running back early. Take Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin. Take Cam Akers from Florida State. Or anyone else that tickles their fancy. If Jones isn’t coming back, Green Bay should have his replacement locked and loaded. With the limited Aaron Rodgers window, you do not want to be playing running back roulette as we saw for years. If this did happen, Green Bay would need to trade Jamaal Williams to give this new running back adequate playing time.

Packers would have to careful with this too because it could frost the relationship with Jones and the team. Yet it would be a smart move if they have a good lean on Jones leaving.

Charlie.