Aaron Jones - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Last season, offseason the Minnesota Vikings signed running back Aaron Jones, after division rival Green Bay let him walk. The 30-year-old veteran responded with one of the more impressive seasons of his career.
Not only did Jones start all 17 games for just the second time in eight NFL seasons, but he also finished with a career best 1,138 rushing yards on 255 carries. He also added 51 receptions for 408 yards, the second-most receiving yards of his career and most since 2019 (474).
Aaron Jones is priority No. 1 for the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings loved what they got last season, from Aaron Jones, which is why they are open to retaining his services in 2025. And they’re willing to pay a pretty hefty sum to get it done. According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, bringing Jones back is “priority number one”.
That doesn’t mean the two sides are destined for a reunion, however. Per Wolfson’s report, Minnesota isn’t willing to pay Jones more than what they paid him last season ($7 million), possibly “a tick less”.
“On the running back front, I continue to hear that the Vikings are having dialog with Drew Rosenhaus representation, with Aaron Jones in mind, what is that price point? I don’t think the Vikings are going beyond $7 million on Aaron Jones. It may even be a tick less than that. The Vikings want Aaron Jones back. That is priority number one.”
Darren Wolfson – SKOR North
The only disappointing side to Aaron Jones’ 2024 stat sheet was his inability to punch the ball into the endzone. While he performed at his peak, in terms of rushing and receiving yards, he struggled to punch the ball into the endzone, rushing for only five touchdowns and catching just two.
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Nonetheless, given the reinvigorated importance expected to be placed on the running back position this offseason, it’s realistic to think Aaron Jones can find more than one year, $7M elsewhere. Given the strong batch of running backs in this year’s draft, combined with what’s expected to be available in free agency next week, the Minnesota Vikings appear comfortable drawing that line in the sand.
Vikings eyeing Najee Harris as Jones backup plan
Part of that was his fault, and part can be helped out with offensive line upgrades. Local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson isn’t sure the MN Vikings are locked in on running it back though, and that’s where Najee Harris comes in.
“If they have to pivot, if Jones ends up elsewhere, Najee Harris. My understanding is that Najee Harris is on the Vikings radar.”
Darren Wolfson – SKOR North
Najee Harris is an intriguing name if Minnesota does have to pivot though. Harris, the former Pittsburgh Steelers 24th overall pick in 2021, presents a sizable difference in youth. He will be just 27 years old in 2025, and has started 17 games for four straight seasons (68 total).
Harris has been a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his professional seasons, but the past three have dipped from the 1,200 he put up as a rookie. The former Alabama back has four inches of height and nearly thirty pounds of weight on Jones.
Najee Harris pic.twitter.com/vro630IW4T
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 3, 2025
The Steelers usage of Harris has changed significantly in recent seasons. After running him 307 times and throwing another 94 passes his way in 2021, Harris saw just 263 carries and 48 targets last season. His 4.0 yards per carry in 2024 probably leave something to be desired, but an argument can be made that he has relatively fresh legs.
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It will be interesting to see where the contract figure comes in for Harris. Last season Jones signed for $7 million with Minnesota. If they want to stick at that number, or a bit less, that doesn’t give Harris a ton of upward room for his first foray into free agency. He made $2.4 million in 2024.
MN Vikings need multiple running backs
The Vikings aren’t just looking at the potential of losing Aaron Jones from their running back room. Cam Akers is also a free agent. That leaves only Ty Chandler among those with experience at the position. The good news is that whether it’s Jones or Harris, the Minnesota Vikings are making running back a priority. A loaded running back draft class will certainly help their cause in the backfield, too.
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Minnesota currently has just three picks, and two of them are in the fifth round. It’s certainly plausible that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades back to acquire more draft capital. It’s also beyond logical to suggest that the MN Vikings could land a capable running back on day three.
While Ashton Jeanty is the cream of the crop, this group has enough talent for every single team to make a selection. Pairing a rookie running back with a veteran and Chandler would give the Vikings a relatively strong stable.
Kevin O’Connell has never leaned heavily on the running game, and that’s not likely to change. However, if expected offensive line improvements open more holes, it’s probably an area to utilize.
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