Steelers, Packers and Lions could have interest in soon-to-be cut Vikings playmaker image
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly set to release one of their running backs this offseason and it's conceivable the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions could all have interest.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones that he is going to be released at the start of the new league year.
Schefter goes on to add that the Vikings will look to trade Jones first, but with the rest of the league knowing he's about to get cut, it's unlikely they'll find a suitor.
At 31, Jones' days as a starting running back are probably over, but he would still be a solid RB2 for a lot of teams thanks to his running and pass-catching prowess and leadership qualities.
The Steelers are a realistic possible suitor for Jones for a few reasons.
Kenneth Gainwell is a pending free agent and may not be back if he garners a raise in free agency, which is expected after a career year.
If he departs, the Steelers will need a veteran complement for Jaylen Warren after Kaleb Johnson's disappointing rookie campaign.
Jones also has a connection to new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who Jones played under in Green Bay for two seasons (2017 and 2018). And, if he returns to Pittsburgh, Aaron Rogers also has familiarity with Jones.
In Detroit, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that running back David Montgomery wants out, which makes him a clear-cut trade candidate.
Earlier this offseason, general manager Brad Holmes admitted Montgomery's future may not be in Detroit and the team would have discussions with the veteran moving forward.
"Those are discussions that we're going to have a lot more in depth, in terms of, like, what is the best plan for him going forward? Is it somewhere else, or whatever the case be?" Holmes said of Montgomery in January.
If the Lions trade or cut Montgomery, Jones becomes a possible option for Detroit, as the Lions will need a veteran to take some of the load off Jahmyr Gibbs the way Montgomery has done in recent years.
We could also see a Jones-Packers reunion after Green Bay decided not to tender running back Emanuel Wilson, which leaves a void behind fellow rusher Josh Jacobs.
A one-two punch of Jacobs and Jones would be a strong one for the Packers, and Jones offer more than Wilson because the latter doesn't contribute much as a pass-catcher.
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