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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 26: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on during the third quarter in the game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NFL season. After finishing 4-13 a year ago, the Pats currently sit atop the AFC East standings with a 7-2 record. Much of the credit for the team’s resurgence is given to Drake Maye.
The second-year quarterback is a shock NFL MVP candidate after leading all qualified passers with a rating of 116.9. Maye also currently has the fourth-most passing yards in the league with 2,285, while adding 17 touchdown passes to go along with just four interceptions.
Although the Pats once again have a legitimate quarterback, their running game this season has been lackluster. In fact, New England has the eighth-lowest yards per rush attempt (3.9) in the league. With the playoffs now looking very likely, Mike Vrabel’s team should be looking to make a trade before the November 4 deadline. One player in particular that the Pats could target is Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones.
Aaron Jones Would Give New England Patriots More Firepower
GettyAaron Jones has been battling injuries and potential tacklers this season.
Jones has been limited to just four games so far this season due to injury. He even picked up a shoulder issue in Minnesota’s big win against the Detroit Lions on November 2. Nevertheless, NFL reporter Tom Pelissero has claimed that the setback is minor and Jones should be able to feature in his team’s next game.
Despite the injury concerns, Jones has proven throughout his career to be a reliable running back. He even recorded 1,138 yards on the ground just last season, good enough for ninth-best in the league. Along with the impressive rushing stats, Jones can also be useful out of the backfield as a receiver. The Vikings star racked up over 400 yards through the air during the 2024 season.
The Patriots could certainly use a healthy Jones on their team. Not only have the New England backs underperformed so far, but they are also without Rhamondre Stevenson, who is typically the starter and is dealing with a toe injury. With Stevenson out, Vrabel has opted to split time in the backfield between TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings.
Another AFC Team Also in the Mix for Running Back
Minnesota could be open to trading Jones before the deadline for a few reasons. First of all, the Vikings sit at the bottom of the NFC North and may look to flip an asset or two for future draft picks. The emergence of fellow running back Jordan Mason may also push Minnesota to let go of Jones. Mason has 419 rushing yards in a somewhat limited role in his current team.
Securing Jones would cost the Patriots around $3 million. New England, however, is likely not the only team to be potentially interested in the former Pro Bowler. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell is claiming that the Los Angeles Chargers could also be tempted to make a move for the running back.
The Vikings may part ways with Jones for a late-round draft pick. A potential deal would suit both teams. On top of the offense he would add, Jones can also be utilized as a capable pass blocker. Although Maye has been stellar this season, he has been sacked 34 total times in just nine games.
New England Patriots receive: Aaron Jones
Minnesota Vikings receive: 6th-round pick