Matt LaFleur has strong words about Aaron Jones' revenge game against the Packers

No other Green Bay Packers offseason decision was so questionable like releasing running back Aaron Jones . Even when they signed Josh Jacobs, there was an initial expectation that both could play together — and the Packers had the salary cap flexibility to make it happen. They decided not to, though, and Jones ended up signing with the NFC North rivals Minnesota Vikings.

Next Sunday, Jones returns to Lambeau Field to face the Packers for the first time in his career. The Vikings are 3-0, and Jones is playing the best football of his career.

"I mean, he's a problem, he looks really good," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday. "I've been able to watch him a little bit, certainly he's one of my favorite players that I've ever had the privilege to coach, just in terms of how he goes about his business. Still got a lot of love for him. Just won't have a lot of love for him when we're playing against him."

Efficiency

Aaron Jones has been a historically efficient runner throughout his career. Under Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, he's been even more prolific. Through three weeks, Jones has had career highs in yards after contact per attempt (4.02), yards per route run (2.11) and elusive rating (89.4). It's always his best breakaway percentage (designed runs for 15 or more yards) as a full-time starter (33.8).

Jones has had 228 rushing yards (5.4 per attempt), plus 12 receptions for 97 receiving yards (third on the team, just behind Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor), totalling two touchdowns from scrimmage.

The other side

Aaron Jones was a fan favorite in Green Bay, but his relationship with the franchise got shaky near the end — as it usually does. The Packers offered him a significant paycut back in March, and when he didn't accept that, general manager Brian Gutekunst opted to release him.

Jones signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Vikings, with $6 million in guarantees. Reportedly, the Packers wanted to pay him around $4 million, with $2 million more available in incentives.

"I'm having a blast," Aaron Jones told NFL Network about his time with the Vikings. "This is probably some of the most fun I've had in my career. Just a great group of guys in that locker room. A great group of coaches that make it fun to come in here and play. Great fans out here."

Another player that goes from the Packers to the Vikings, another revenge game, another chapter of the rivalry. At Lambeau Field in week 4, it will be a classic NFC North Sunday with a lot on the line for a game so early in the season.

Related: Three reasons behind the Packers' decision to move on from Aaron Jones to sign Josh Jacobs