Aaron Jones - Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
When Aaron Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason, nobody really knew what head coach Kevin O’Connell & Co were going to be able to squeeze out of the aging former arch-rival running back.
It didn’t take long, however, for Jones to prove his worth, especially at a position that the Vikings struggled to find consistency with, when the 30 year-old veteran wasn’t on the field. For only the fourth time in his eight-year NFL career, Aaron Jones started all every game the 2024 MN Vikings played.
Aaron Jones - Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Not only was he productive in 2024, but the former Texas El-Paso University star took a career-high 255 carries for a career best 1,138 yards. While he did struggle holding onto the football and getting into the endzone, Jones offered the Vikings a reliable runner, blocker and receiver out of the backfield that they haven’t had since Dalvin Cook left.
Minnesota Vikings sign Aaron Jones to 2-Year Contract
And on Sunday, less than 24 hours before the NFL negotiating period is set to begin, the Minnesota Vikings decided they aren’t ready to move on from Aaron Jones anytime soon, inking the 2017 5th round draft pick to a new two-year deal worth a total of $20 million ($13 million guaranteed) — per Adam Schefter (ESPN).
Minnesota is getting back its back: Aaron Jones is re-signing with the Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed, per sources. The deal was negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/XzO7RXt1SM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025
Leading up to this new deal being agreed upon, insiders across the NFL had reported serious interest in a reunion between Jones and the MN Vikings. Still, it was believed Minnesota wasn’t willing to go over $7 million per season, which is how much the veteran running back made last year.
In the end, they compromised on a deal that brings Aaron Jones in at under $7 million per season, in guaranteed dollars, but as much as $10 million each year, if he performs to the best of his ability for the next 34 regular season games (hopefully more).
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This new deal rules out the Minnesota Vikings making a big running back splash this week in free agency. It does not, however, play into their plans for the draft, which has dozens of starter-capable talents in the backfield.
More than likely, the Vikings will use one of the few picks they currently own on a running back, even after this new deal for Jones. Word out of insider circles says Kevin O’Connell wants to back off Jones’ usage. To do that, they’ll have to hit on someone come April.
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