The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a busy offseason, armed with over $73 million in projected salary cap space. One of their key decisions will be determining the future of running back Aaron Jones.
Jones, who recently turned 30, proved to be a stellar addition to Minnesota in 2024. The veteran rushed for over 1,100 yards and 5 touchdowns while also catching 51 passes for 408 yards and 2 scores. Beyond the numbers, his impact was immense, especially considering the Vikings signed the former Green Bay Packers star to a one-year, $7 million deal.
That contract is set to expire in March, making Jones a free agent. While Minnesota’s youthful and dynamic offense makes it an appealing destination for him, financial constraints could play a major role. The Vikings must address pressing needs in the secondary and interior offensive line, likely through free agency, as they possess just three picks in the 2025 draft.
The partnership between Jones and the Vikings has been fruitful, but other competitive teams will undoubtedly pursue him. One such team is the Denver Broncos, where ESPN’s Benjamin Solak recently predicted Jones could land this offseason.
“Denver will start to elevate their offense at running back, where their rotation has been lacking a reliable grinder who can handle 15-plus touches per game,” Solak wrote. “Aaron Jones, should he become available, is an ideal fit on a front-loaded three-year deal.”
Reunion Between Vikings, Aaron Jones in 2025 Likely Hinges on Money
If all factors are equal, the Vikings would likely prefer to bring Jones back in 2025, especially if the team makes a deep playoff run. However, it will ultimately depend on finances.
Spotrac recently projected a one-year, $5.6 million deal for Jones. At that price, Minnesota would likely retain him without hesitation. However, given Jones’ production this season and his history of success when healthy, he may not settle for such a modest offer.
Solak’s proposed three-year, front-loaded deal offers flexibility for a team to move on from Jones inexpensively in the second year and almost cost-free in the third.
The Vikings could afford such a deal if it aligns with their vision, but they might instead pursue a younger and cheaper upgrade in the draft. A rookie could better match the timeline of Minnesota’s offense and save the team money compared to a veteran like Jones, especially after his 1,550-yard season.
While finding that caliber of player in later rounds is uncertain, the Vikings could guarantee it by targeting Ashton Jeanty of Boise State. Jeanty, who holds a first-round grade, is entering the draft at a time when teams embracing running back value — like the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles — are reaping rewards.
Jeanty is unlikely to fall to the late first round, but the Vikings could trade up by packaging their first-round pick and a 2026 asset. Such a move becomes even more viable if Minnesota trades rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who could fetch up to three picks in return.
