The Minnesota Vikings face a crucial decision regarding running back Aaron Jones in the coming months.
Jones, a dynamic dual-threat playmaker, delivered an impressive performance both on the ground and as a receiver last season, helping the Vikings achieve a 14-3 record. However, he was playing on a one-year, $7 million contract and has now crossed the age of 30.
This offseason presents Jones with perhaps his best opportunity for a final significant multiyear deal, given the current market for running backs. Testing free agency seems like a logical move for him. The Vikings must determine the price at which retaining Jones makes sense, and if the cost becomes too high, they may need to explore alternative options.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report projected on Monday, January 27, that Jones could secure a three-year deal worth $21 million. Such a contract would likely be front-loaded by the Vikings to make it easier to move on from Jones by 2026, with minimal financial impact by 2027 when he would be 33 years old and entering his 11th NFL season.
However, the Chicago Bears could also emerge as contenders for Jones, given their financial flexibility.
“New Bears head coach Ben Johnson is well aware of Jones’ capabilities, having faced him multiple times as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator,” Knox noted. “Johnson might consider pairing D’Andre Swift with Jones to create a strong backfield duo, similar to what he had in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.”
Aaron Jones Showed Out in Initial Year With Vikings
Knox’s projection for Aaron Jones’ next contract is significantly higher than Spotrac’s estimation.
Spotrac calculates Jones’ market value at $5.6 million on a one-year deal, but given his standout performance in 2024, it’s unlikely Jones would settle for such an agreement without thoroughly exploring his options in free agency.
Jones wrapped up the 2024 season with 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns, along with 51 receptions for 408 yards and two scores. While he dealt with some injuries—a recurring issue over the years—he managed to appear in all 17 regular-season games and the playoffs during his first year with the Vikings.
Bears, Vikings Have Compelling Cases to Sign Aaron Jones
The Minnesota Vikings have ample salary cap space to re-sign Aaron Jones, with nearly $64 million available as of Monday. The Chicago Bears are in a similar position, boasting more than $69 million in cap space.
The key questions are which team needs Jones more, which team can justify allocating significant money to the running back position, and whether Jones, now over 30, is approaching the decline many rushers experience at his age.
For Chicago, their investment in D’Andre Swift makes a large expenditure on another running back less likely. Additionally, the Bears have pressing needs to upgrade their offensive line and add a quality pass rusher or two, which could take priority over Jones.
Minnesota, on the other hand, has a stronger argument for re-signing Jones. He was a vital contributor to the team’s successful offense last season, and they currently lack a major financial commitment to any other running back. However, the Vikings could also consider drafting a younger, cheaper rusher in the late first round to replace Jones with fresh legs.
Ultimately, the decision may hinge on how the Vikings weigh their late first-round pick against their roster needs. Minnesota has several holes to fill in the secondary, with all five starting defensive backs (three cornerbacks and two safeties) potentially departing due to free agency or retirement. Most recent mock drafts suggest the Vikings will target a cornerback or safety with the 24th overall pick. If that happens, the odds of Jones returning to Minnesota for another season increase significantly.
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