The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed veteran running back Aaron Jones to a new two-year deal worth $20 million. Jones had previously signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings after leaving the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell initially saw Jones as part of a running-back-by-committee scheme due to his injury history, but Jones quickly proved he deserved the majority of touches after an impressive 2024 season. His 1,546 yards from scrimmage was his best total since his breakout 2019 campaign with the Packers.
Jones played a significant role in the Vikings’ high-octane offense, which also featured quarterback Sam Darnold having a career-altering season. The success of Jones in the backfield led the Vikings to secure his services for the upcoming 2025 season. Despite not reaching a deal with Darnold for the upcoming season, the Vikings have options at quarterback with J.J. McCarthy and Daniel Jones, who recently joined the team. However, there is no doubt that Jones will be leading the rushing attack for the Vikings in the upcoming season.
Jones’ ability to contribute both in the running game and the passing game was instrumental in the success of the Vikings’ offense. He rushed for 1,138 yards on 255 carries and had five touchdowns, while also catching 51 passes for 408 yards and two scores in the 2024 season. With a productive run game being crucial for a successful play-action pass game, the Vikings were keen to keep Jones on the roster as they focus on addressing the quarterback situation for the upcoming season.
Despite speculation about potential quarterback options for the Vikings in 2025, the certainty remains that Jones will once again lead the team’s rushing attack. With his impressive performance in the 2024 season, Jones has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Vikings’ offense. As the team navigates the offseason and prepares for the upcoming season, having Jones in place provides a sense of stability and reliability in the backfield. Fans can expect to see Jones continuing to make a significant impact for the Vikings in the upcoming season.
Overall, the re-signing of Aaron Jones by the Minnesota Vikings is a significant move for the team, ensuring continuity and stability in the running game for the upcoming season. Jones’ performance in the 2024 season proved his value to the team, and keeping him in place ensures that the Vikings will have a reliable and dynamic playmaker in the backfield. As the team addresses other areas of need, the presence of Jones gives the offense a strong foundation to build upon. With Jones leading the rushing attack, the Vikings will look to build upon their success in the upcoming season.
