After landing Aaron Jones last offseason on an affordable one-year, $7 million contract, the Minnesota Vikings had a decision to make on his future with the team.
The former Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler proved he could still produce after turning 30 years old. He posted a career-high 1,138 yards on 255 carries, taking on the heaviest workload of his career with 306 total touches while not missing a single game.
Jones was poised to be one of the top running backs in this year's free agency, but a day before the legal tampering period begins, the Vikings secured him to a surprising multi-year.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on March 9 that "Jones is re-signing with the Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed."
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
Jones maintained that he would like to end his career in Minnesota, and the new deal could very well make that happen.
However, the Vikings do need to find more help in the running back room. The Athletic's Alec Lewis reported on March 3 that the Vikings "are seeking more of a by-committee approach."
A $10 million-a-year deal seems a bit rich for a committee approach to the backfield. Pro Football Focus (PFF) projected Jones to secure a $7 million-a-year contract, while Spotrac projected $5.6 million annually. The running back position is undergoing a renaissance after Saquon Barkley becoming the first to ever secure a $20 million-a-year deal.
Jones was reliable and durable throughout the 2024 season and could benefit with a lighter workload.
Who will lighten that load remains to be seen.
Related: Vikings Facing Competition Landing Ideal Sam Darnold Replacement
Ty Chandler, entering the final year of his rookie contract, fell out of favor with the coaching staff last season, playing just 21 snaps in the final nine games of the season. The Vikings traded for Cam Akers to take Chandler's role last season and could look to re-sign him in free agency.
Minnesota should also take a flyer in the middle rounds of this year's draft, which is expected to be one of the most running-back rich drafts in recent memory.
Re-signing Jones may have been a splurge, but it's one the Vikings can take on with the affordability of having J.J. McCarthy on a rookie contract.
Minnesota's move to secure Jones gives McCarthy a capable and experienced running back that can help ease him into the NFL.
Related: Vikings' NFC Rival Working to Sign Sam Darnold: Report
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 5:28 PM.