Vikings make the perfect move before free agency to keep their offense performing at a high level for the 2025 season
When the Green Bay Packers released Aaron Jones last offseason, his idea to go to the Minnesota Vikings could seem just like a revenge tour. It couldn't have gone any better. After a successful and healthy season in Minnesota, Jones has just gotten a contract extension right before free agency's legal tampering period starts on […]
When the Green Bay Packers released Aaron Jones last offseason, his idea to go to the Minnesota Vikings could seem just like a revenge tour. It couldn't have gone any better. After a successful and healthy season in Minnesota, Jones has just gotten a contract extension right before free agency's legal tampering period starts on Monday.
The news was first reported by ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter. It's a two-year, $20 million contract for the running back, with $13 million in guarantees. He was the best free agent of the class according to A to Z Sports' free agency list.
Jones' salary's average per season is half of what Saquon Barkley got in his recent extension with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, it was still more than the $7 million Jones got from the Vikings last offseason—the old deal had $6 million in base and $1 million available in incentives.
High-level performance for the Vikings
Aaron Jones will enter his ninth season in the NFL at 30 years old. Last season, his first for the Vikings, was a career year in terms of volume. Jones played all 17 games and had 255 attempts for 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns, plus 51 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the most efficient running backs in football, Jones averaged 4.5 yards per carry and was a huge improvement over what the Vikings had in 2023 with Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler.
At this moment, the Vikings' running back room also has Chandler and Zavier Scott, besides fullback CJ Ham.
Cam Akers, acquired by the Vikings via an in-season trade with the Houston Texans last year, is also a pending free agent.
Originally a fifth-round pick by the Packers in 2017, Aaron Jones has been one of the most explosive playmakers at the position. He was the NFL's rushing touchdowns co-leader in 2019 and a Pro Bowler in 2020.
Even though head coach Kevin O'Connell preaches a pass-heavy offense, which aligns with GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's general roster-building philosophy, keeping a running back like Aaron Jones is imperative for the offense to stay at its highest-level. Efficient as a runner and a prolific pass-catcher, Jones hasn't shown signs of regression—and keeping him around is a huge win for the Vikings even before free agency kicks off.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones named one of 3 finalists for prestigious award
It’s quite an honor for Jones
