The Vikings have made a savvy move by acquiring former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones on a one-year, $7 million deal, according to reports by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis. This decision comes shortly after Green Bay secured former Raiders RB Josh Jacobs.
For Minnesota, adding Jones is a strategic move. With Kirk Cousins’ departure to Atlanta, Jones’s dual-threat abilities as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield will significantly benefit whoever takes over as the Vikings’ starting quarterback. Currently, Minnesota’s quarterback options include Josh Dobbs, Jaren Hall, Josh Rosen, and Tanner Morgan, with Sam Darnold expected to join the mix. Given the lack of proven NFL starters among these quarterbacks, the burden will fall on skill-position players to carry the offense.
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At 29 years old, Jones, despite facing injuries in 2023, closed out the season strongly with five consecutive 100-yard rushing games, including two playoff appearances. Notably, Jones’s receiving prowess surpasses that of any other running back on the Vikings’ roster. In the 2023 season, he matched Minnesota’s Alexander Mattison in receptions (30) despite playing in fewer games.
While some Vikings fans may be apprehensive about signing an older running back coming off an injury-plagued season, Jones has demonstrated resilience in bouncing back. Although the Vikings aren’t expected to be contenders in the NFC next season and may even be predicted to finish at or near the bottom of the NFC North, this acquisition of a veteran like Jones will aid in the team’s rebuilding efforts and ease the transition for their next long-term quarterback.
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