The Minnesota Vikings were one of the surprise teams of the 2024 season. After losing Kirk Cousins, many anticipated a difficult year for head coach Kevin O’Connell and his squad. However, led by the unlikely Sam Darnold, the team finished with an impressive 14 wins in a remarkable season.
While their defense ranked third in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, the offense was nearly unstoppable. Darnold’s connection with star wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison played a major role, but the ground game was equally electric, thanks to this veteran running back, who is now returning to Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings Re-Sign Veteran Aaron Jones After Career Year in 2024
Aaron Jones has established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent running backs since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After spending seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Jones signed with the Vikings last offseason.
In his first year with Minnesota, Jones delivered a remarkable performance, earning himself a new contract. After playing on a $7 million deal last season, he is now returning to the Vikings on a much more lucrative agreement.
NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed the news on X, announcing, “Minnesota is getting back its back: Aaron Jones is re-signing with the Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed, per sources. The deal was negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus.”
Minnesota is getting back its back: Aaron Jones is re-signing with the Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed, per sources. The deal was negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/XzO7RXt1SM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025
Jones, who ranked 61st on PFSN’s top 100 free agents list this offseason, may have received a slight overpay from Minnesota’s perspective. However, with rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy likely leading the offense, his contract provides the Vikings with flexibility for larger deals.
That said, Jones is far from past his prime. Despite some metrics, such as elusive rate and rushing success rate, trending downward, Jones still posted career highs in rushing yards (1,138) and total scrimmage yards (1,546) in 2024.
For Minnesota, Jones’ dynamic impact on the offense is key to their ongoing success. He proved in his first season with the team that he can be a reliable workhorse in the backfield. From the Vikings’ perspective, re-signing Jones makes sense in the short term.
With limited better options in free agency, Jones was their best chance to retain a proven veteran. However, the Vikings may still consider pairing him with a rookie running back from the loaded 2025 NFL Draft class.