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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos may once again find themselves connected to a familiar name at running back.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Minnesota Vikings have informed veteran running back Aaron Jones that he will be released at the start of the new league year on March 11 if no trade materializes. Schefter noted that Jones’ release would save Minnesota $7.75 million against the salary cap, signaling the move is financially driven.
That news immediately puts Denver back into the conversation.
The Broncos were loosely tied to Jones last offseason before he ultimately signed a two- year deal in Minnesota. Now, with free agency approaching and running back standing out as one of the Broncos’ biggest offseason needs, Jones is back on the market.
Broncos Familiar Interest Resurfaces
Jones turned 31 in December and is no longer viewed as a tier-one back. However, he remains productive when healthy.
In 2025, Jones appeared in 12 games. He rushed for 548 yards and two touchdowns while adding 28 receptions for 199 yards and another score. Injuries limited his overall impact, but his versatility continues to stand out.
For Denver, that dual-threat skill set is notable. Payton has openly valued running backs who can function as receivers and create mismatches in space.
Jones has built his career on exactly that. At his best, he is capable of lining up in the slot, catching passes out of the backfield and serving as a reliable outlet for his quarterback.
Additionally, Jones has long been one of the league’s more effective between the tackles runners. He pairs elite vision and balance with a natural feel for tight running lanes. Despite not having prototypical power back size, he has consistently ranked near the top of the league in yards after contact and missed tackles forced.
The Broncos already have an ascending weapon in RJ Harvey, who scored 12 total touchdowns as a rookie. However, Harvey’s biggest strength is his explosiveness, not necessarily his down-to-down consistency as a traditional ball carrier.
Jones would offer experience and could be a great complement to Harvey.
The Broncos’ Bigger Backfield Plan
Denver’s running back room remains in flux.
J.K. Dobbins is set to hit free agency, and general manager George Paton said at the NFL Combine that the team would like to bring him back.
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How Denver approaches the running back position in free agency will largely depend on whether they bring Dobbins back.
If Dobbins and the Broncos part ways, Jones becomes a legitimate option.
Jones is not expected to land another ten million per year deal, but he should still draw interest around the league.
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If the Broncos prioritize a younger early down option such as Kenneth Walker III or Tyler Allgeier, or turn to the draft, Jones may not be at the top of their list.
Still, the timing is interesting.
Running back is one of the Broncos’ top needs this offseason, and with Minnesota ready to move on, Jones suddenly becomes a realistic option at a more affordable price.
Whether Denver acts on it will depend on how they want to reshape the position once free agency begins.