As the Minnesota Vikings consider possible alterations to their running back depth, Aaron Jones’ status with the organization is still up in the air.

The Minnesota Vikings have spent the past few seasons building one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, largely centered around their passing game with quarterback Kirk Cousins and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. However, like any team with championship aspirations, there are key positions that need attention and depth, and one of the most critical areas that the Vikings must address in the coming offseason is their running back position.

While Dalvin Cook has been the focal point of the Vikings’ backfield for several years, recent developments, including his fluctuating performance and contract situation, have raised questions about the team’s future at running back. This is where Aaron Jones enters the conversation.

Aaron Jones, the talented running back for the Green Bay Packers, has long been a highly productive player in the NFL. Known for his explosive speed, vision, and versatility in both the running and passing game, Jones has become one of the league’s most respected backs. Yet, despite his success, his future in Green Bay has become uncertain due to financial constraints and the Packers’ evolving roster. This uncertainty has led to speculation that Jones might be on the move, and several reports have indicated that the Minnesota Vikings could be a possible landing spot.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the situation surrounding Aaron Jones and his potential future with the Minnesota Vikings. What factors would lead the Vikings to pursue Jones, and what would his presence mean for their backfield moving forward? Let’s break down the possibilities.

The Running Back Situation in Minnesota

The Vikings’ running back position has undergone significant changes over the years. Dalvin Cook, who was drafted by the Vikings in 2017, quickly emerged as the team’s bell cow running back, delivering consistent production both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. However, Cook’s ability to stay healthy and his contract situation have raised questions about the long-term viability of his role in Minnesota.

In 2024, the Vikings’ running back depth chart saw some adjustments. The team saw a mix of young and veteran players, with Alexander Mattison, who was Cook’s backup for several seasons, stepping into a larger role as the featured back. While Mattison has shown flashes of talent, he has struggled to maintain consistency, which has led to some concerns about whether he is a true long-term solution as the lead back.

The Vikings also experimented with several other options in their backfield, including veterans and rookies, but none seemed to have the explosive playmaking ability that Cook brought to the table. While the Vikings have been able to find success in the passing game with Cousins and Jefferson leading the charge, their running game has often been inconsistent. This lack of balance in their offensive attack has at times hurt their ability to control the clock and keep defenses honest.

Now, with the uncertainty surrounding Cook’s future in Minnesota and Mattison not fully sealing the starting job, the Vikings may be forced to look for a more established and reliable option at running back. Aaron Jones, a versatile and dynamic playmaker, could be a perfect fit for the role. His ability to break long runs, catch passes out of the backfield, and provide stability to the offense could make him the perfect complement to the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

Why Aaron Jones?

There are several reasons why Aaron Jones would be an attractive option for the Minnesota Vikings, and why the team might look to add him to their roster in the near future. Let’s break down the primary reasons why Jones could be the missing piece for the Vikings’ backfield.

1. Proven Playmaker in the NFL

Aaron Jones has consistently been one of the most productive and efficient running backs in the NFL since entering the league in 2017. Over his career with the Green Bay Packers, he has accumulated over 6,000 yards from scrimmage, including 53 touchdowns. His blend of speed, vision, and elusiveness makes him a constant threat both on the ground and as a receiving option.

Jones is a dual-threat back, capable of making big plays in both facets of the game. He has consistently been a reliable target out of the backfield for Aaron Rodgers and has shown the ability to take passes in space and turn them into substantial gains. His versatility as a runner and a receiver would give the Vikings a dynamic weapon that they currently lack. Minnesota’s offense, which often relies heavily on Jefferson and the passing game, could benefit immensely from Jones’ presence as a legitimate receiving threat.

2. High Efficiency as a Runner

One of the standout features of Aaron Jones’ game is his efficiency as a runner. He has consistently averaged over 4.5 yards per carry during his career and has shown the ability to break off long runs when given the opportunity. The Vikings’ rushing attack has been inconsistent in recent years, with Dalvin Cook at times struggling to find running lanes or hit his top speed. Jones’ ability to break through defensive lines with burst and agility would provide the Vikings with a more dynamic ground game, one that could help balance the offense.

Moreover, Jones has been remarkably effective in short-yardage and red-zone situations, where the Vikings have sometimes struggled to convert. His ability to find the end zone when given the ball near the goal line would give Minnesota’s offense the added dimension of a reliable red-zone threat.

3. Experience in a Winning Culture

Aaron Jones has spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, an organization that has experienced consistent success in recent years, including multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title. He is no stranger to high-pressure situations and big games. His leadership and winning mentality would be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ locker room, particularly as the team seeks to build a championship-caliber roster.

Jones also has experience playing with a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, which would translate well in a similar role with Kirk Cousins. While Cousins may not be Rodgers, he has proven himself to be a capable leader and quarterback, and Jones’ ability to adapt to different schemes and quarterbacks would make him a seamless fit in Minnesota’s offense.

4. Salary and Contract Situation in Green Bay

One of the key reasons why Aaron Jones’ future in Green Bay is uncertain is his contract situation. Jones signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Packers in 2021, but with Green Bay’s current financial constraints, they are faced with tough decisions regarding their salary cap. The Packers are expected to make moves to free up cap space, and one option could be releasing or trading Jones. The Packers’ financial woes may make it difficult for them to retain Jones, especially given the emergence of young backs like AJ Dillon.

The Vikings, on the other hand, have a relatively flexible salary cap situation, which could make Jones a viable target. While the $19 million price tag may be a stretch for a running back, Jones’ playmaking ability and the need to upgrade the backfield make him worth the investment. The Vikings could negotiate a deal that makes sense for both parties, potentially acquiring Jones at a reasonable price given Green Bay’s cap situation.

5. Complementary to the Current Roster

Aaron Jones’ skill set would complement the current makeup of the Minnesota Vikings’ roster. With Justin Jefferson and a strong receiving corps, the Vikings’ offense is primarily focused on the passing game. Adding a versatile, dynamic running back like Jones could take some of the pressure off of Cousins and allow the Vikings to maintain balance on offense. Jones’ ability to catch passes out of the backfield would make him an additional weapon for Cousins to utilize, creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

Additionally, Jones could provide valuable depth behind Mattison, offering the Vikings a 1-2 punch in the backfield that would keep defenses on their toes. If Mattison continues to develop into a more reliable starter, pairing him with a proven playmaker like Jones would create a dangerous combination that could help the Vikings return to the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl.

The Potential Impact on the Vikings’ Roster and Salary Cap

Adding Aaron Jones to the Vikings’ roster would undoubtedly have a major impact on the team’s overall offensive outlook. As previously mentioned, his versatility as both a rusher and a receiver would give Minnesota’s offense the added dimension of a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield, improving both the ground and aerial attack.

However, the acquisition of Jones would also have salary cap implications. At $19 million, Jones’ contract would be a significant investment, and the Vikings would need to make sure that they can afford to add him without compromising other key areas of the roster. The Vikings may need to restructure contracts or release players to free up cap space, but given their relatively stable cap situation, the move is feasible.

One possible downside of signing Jones is the impact on Mattison’s role. If Mattison continues to develop as a potential starter, he may not take kindly to a backup role behind Jones. While Jones and Mattison could form a strong tandem, it’s important to manage the personalities and egos within the locker room. However, given the Vikings’ recent struggles at running back and Mattison’s inconsistent performances, bringing in Jones could provide much-needed competition and stability to the backfield.