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Prior to the new league year kicking off on March 11, reports suggested that the Minnesota Vikings would be releasing veteran running back Aaron Jones. Then, just minutes before free agency opened, the former Green Bay Packers star was taken off the open market.
Rather than release Jones, the Vikings opted to restructure his contract. Rather than play at a $9 million salary and bloated cap hit in 2026, Jones is back on a $5.5 million deal that will have a diminished hit on the bottom line.
Aaron Jones’ Return Doesn’t Solve Minnesota’s Running Back Future
After being healthy for all 17 games with the Vikings during his first season in Minnesota, Jones played in just 12 games last season. His 4.2 yards per carry were the lowest of his career, and the offense hummed better with Jordan Mason toting the rock.
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Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reacts after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The reality is that a 32-year-old Aaron Jones has almost equal value in the locker room as he does on the field. There should be no expectation that he can get through a full season, and finding a renewed sense of production is a lofty bet as well. That said, the Minnesota Vikings don’t have to lean into him being their answer.
Jordan Mason is back, but the only other running backs on the roster are Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott. For a team that hasn’t found youth at the position since Dalvin Cook, the time is now. It would be wild, but fun, to jump up and grab Jeremiyah Love. They don’t have to be that aggressive, though.
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Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates his touchdown scored against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
This running back class has talent, and there’s a guy with local ties who seems like a logical fit. Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson hails from Minnesota, and he led the Big Ten in rushing last year. He may need time to acclimate at the next level, but a second or third round pick thrown his way could pay significant dividends.
After bringing Jones back, I don’t envision a scenario in which another running back is signed in free agency. One has to be taken before the fourth round, though, and Jones back or not, his presence shouldn’t get in the way of that player’s development or playing time.
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