Outlining A Master Plan For the Vikings At Running Back
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Turning 30 is often a reality check in the NFL, with teams shying away, offering fewer years and dollars in free agency. That won’t be the case for Aaron Jones.
In 2024, Jones managed to stave off Father Time and made himself a rarity: A 30-year-old running back who is set to headline his position on the open market. After a season where Jones hit career-highs in rushing attempts (255) and yards (1,138), it only makes sense for the Vikings to want him back. They won’t be the only team that is seeking his services in 2025, either.
If there’s a way to bring Jones back, it feels like a no-brainer, even at his age. However, there’s a caveat: Minnesota should also scoop up a back in the draft. Doing so would complete a flawless blueprint for its running back equation.
While Jones served as the true bell cow for the Vikings last year, that was one of the few times in his career he’s worn that hat. In his time as a Green Bay Packer, Jones was usually in a timeshare with Jamaal Williams or AJ Dillon. Part of it was Jones’ injury history, but a timeshare was also the preference for Matt LaFleur’s system.
To take over the reins with a new team and take on a different role from what he’s used to was a testament to Jones’ determination and skill set. It’s a huge reason why it makes sense to bring him back next season. And don’t take our word for it.
Kevin O’Connell rained down praise about Jones just last week on Radio Row in New Orleans. Speaking on Sirius XM, O’Connell didn’t try to escape the pocket with his thoughts on Jones, choosing his words much less carefully than when he’s about, for example, Sam Darnold.
“We loved having Aaron Jones,” O’Connell said. “The impact he had. He really, for the better part of his career, had been a part of backfield committees and for the most part, Aaron Jones was the featured back. He played in 17 games, he was able to be durable, over 1,500 yards all-purpose for us. Catching the ball out of the backfield. Running it at an elite level. So I would love to have Aaron back and then I think we continue to grow in that room. Whether it’s infusing a young player in the draft or maybe another player in free agency alongside Aaron Jones hopefully.”
O’Connell didn’t beat around the bush. He didn’t say how great of a season it was for Jones and how they’ll see what happens. He flat-out laid out his ideal plan for Minnesota’s backfield. If the money is right — and while Jones will get a raise, he isn’t going to command insane dollars — expect the Vikings to make signing him a priority.
What happens at quarterback is TBD, but hey, let’s say the Vikings hand the keys over to J.J. McCarthy. What better gift to give him than a trusted running back who can take an immense amount of pressure off the shoulders of, essentially, a rookie signal-caller.
But again, Jones back on its own shouldn’t be all Minnesota does at the position. O’Connell alluded to other avenues that could be explored. Cam Akers has played admirably but isn’t the same after all the injuries. Ty Chandler has never burst onto the scene the way some thought he may have. Free agency is also an option, but the real gem could be digging into what looks to be a loaded draft class at running back.
The one speed bump in the way is the lack of draft capital the Vikings currently possess. As of now, Minnesota has its first-round selection and two fifth-round picks, with an expected third-round compensatory pick on the way. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the rest of the brain trust parted with its second, third, and fourth-round picks to get Dallas Turner in Round 1 last year. Their sixth and seventh-rounders went to Cleveland to acquire Za’Darius Smith back in 2023.
The only running back that should be a lock to go in the first round is Ashton Jeanty of Boise State. It’d be a miracle if he fell to No. 24, where Minnesota is selecting. If Jeanty tumbles there, the Vikings might end up laughing even harder than Rick Spielman’s front office did upon Justin Jefferson landing in their laps.
If not, it’ll be a trickier path to navigate, but Kwesi has shown an eagerness to wheel and deal, sliding up and down throughout the draft.
Jones makes all the sense in the world for the Vikings in 2025, if the number is right on another short-term deal. His leadership on top of his play is invaluable. But getting a rookie to help alleviate Jones’ workload would become just as important. Yes, Jones was a capable bell cow in 2024, but Minnesota can’t bring him back assuming he’ll be an every-down running back again. A timeshare is going to be crucial to keeping him healthy and fresh through the year. So the plan becomes simple: Get Jones back in the building and draft and develop his eventual successor. It shouldn’t be too difficult to accomplish.
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