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Surprise: Vikings Reach Deal with Veteran Running Back
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- Surprise: Vikings Reach Deal with Veteran Running Back
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have needed to make additions in the backfield for some time now. They swung a deal for Jordan Mason last offseason and he looked to be a nice boost when Kevin O'Connell put the ball in his hands.
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Aaron Jones joined the Vikings prior to the 2024 season after spending the first seven in his career with the Green Bay Packers. Initially noted to be a cap casualty , Minnesota and Jones found common ground to reunite for a third season.
Aaron Jones back to the Minnesota Vikings
Last offseason Aaron Jones signed a two-year deal worth $20 million . The Minnesota Vikings have now revised the deal and he will play on a $5.5 million salary rather than a $9 million one. A new league year starts on March 11th at 3pm CT. Instead of becoming a free agent at that point, he'll see his contract revision become official.
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The Vikings and RB Aaron Jones have agreed to a revised contract to keep him in Minnesota for the 2026 season, sources tell me and @RapSheet .
Jones lowers his base salary to $5.5 million and will stay in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/IWHi9M9rvC— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026
It remains to be seen how the contract is structured, but it's clear that Jones likes Minnesota and was amenable to staying in the purple and gold. The cap hit for 2026 was expected to be $14.55 million but should now check in below that.
He has played for just two franchises during his career, and he may not want to jump around in the late stages of it. Last season Jones appeared in just 12 games. Durability concerns have been a thing for him throughout his career, but he was available for all 17 in his first year with Minnesota.
After posting a career-high 1,138 yards in 2024 , Jones ran for only 548 yards last season. His 4.2 yards per carry were a career-low and he found the end zone just twice. The MN Vikings have been willing to use Jones in the passing game as well, but his overall effectiveness is fading.
I hope you didn't fall asleep, cause JJ McCarthy just gave the Vikings the LEAD pic.twitter.com/tvnUV7CiJp
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) September 9, 2025
With a lesser salary it's more logical to see Minnesota reversing course on their decision to cut the veteran. How the timeshare between he and Mason works out this season will be interesting to watch.
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MN Vikings still need running back help
The Minnesota Vikings haven't had consistent and productive youth in the backfield since Dalvin Cook. A move to add another young runner and supplement the depth at the position makes a good deal of sense.
Aaron Jones returning shouldn't stop the Vikings from pursuing that either. It doesn't mean they have to go all in and trade up for Jeremiyah Love , but finding a prospect in the draft is a logical way to address the room.
Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott are the only other running backs on the roster for Minnesota. Neither of them have looked ready to challenge either Jones or Mason, and adding someone that could elevate beyond that lower tandem would be welcomed.
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Even if Jones returns to a clean bill of health this season, it's unlikely the production sees a significant jump forward at this stage in his career. At the minimal outlay, there's nothing not to like. The MN Vikings just can't let this deal stop them from making the next one.
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