Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones will turn 32 during the 2026 regular season, and hypothetically speaking, if the club released him this offseason, it would save about $8 million on the salary cap . Many expect Minnesota to drop Jones in favor of a younger option, so here's a look at where Jones may land if he hits open free agency.
Atlanta, Houston , Washington , and a few others could view Jones as a short-term RB1/RB2 jolt.
SI.com 's Will Ragatz noted on Jones this week , "If this is it for Jones in Minnesota, his two-year tenure will be remembered fondly. Despite his age and a reputation for picking up bumps and bruises, he played in 29 of a possible 34 regular season games over the past two seasons."
"During that time, Jones ran for 1,686 yards on 387 carries (4.4 YPC) and added 79 catches for 607 yards. He scored 10 touchdowns. Off the field, his infectiously joyous personality quickly made him a favorite of teammates, coaches, fans, and media members. The reasons why Jones is a logical cap casualty are fairly obvious."
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) lines up during NFC Wild Card action against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. The veteran runner handled a key offensive role during Minnesota's postseason push, providing steady production on the ground and as a receiver. Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA: Jones carried the workload in playoff competition. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
If Jones returns to Minnesota, it will be because of his locker room leadership role.
Ragatz added, "As currently constructed, his $14.55 million cap hit for 2026 is the third-highest among all NFL running backs, behind only Alvin Kamara and Jonathan Taylor ."
"Jones is 31 years old, he missed five games last season, and his yards per carry mark in 2025 was a career-low 4.2. He's still a good player, but the Vikings might be able to get more explosive at RB while also saving some money by parting ways."
But let's pretend Minnesota moves on. The following list ranks Jones's landing spots from least to most realistic (No. 1 = most realistic landing spot).
Jones will have a market if Minnesota cuts ties.
Jones was born in Savannah, Georgia, and although there are no coaching or general manager ties to Jones in Atlanta, the Falcons are probably on the cusp of losing Tyler Allgeier to free agency.
Sliding in next to Bijan Robinson , the RB1, as a dependable RB2, Jones would make sense in Atlanta to wind down his illustrious career.
As a kid, Jones lived all over the place with his parents in the military, but for high school, he eventually settled in West Texas, playing at Burges High School. He knows Texas.
The Texans are about to lose Nick Chubb in free agency, as well as Dare Ogunbowale . Meanwhile, no one is too sure about Joe Mixon 's long-term health trajectory. Houston featured rookie Woody Marks in 2025, who performed decently, but as an RB1 or RB2, Jones in Houston would make sense next to Marks.
Jones plays offense, and former Vikings defensive passing game coordinator Daronte Jones coaches defense, but the two know each other. Daronte Jones accepted a promotion to run the Commanders' defense this offseason; he could put in a good word for his RB-needy team.
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) celebrates in the end zone after reaching the goal line during first-half action against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The young runner flashed scoring ability while competing for offensive snaps in Washington's backfield rotation. Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA: Croskey-Merritt finished the drive with a touchdown run. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
Washington waltzes into free agency with just one running back under contract: the hot-and-cold Jacory Croskey-Merritt . From somewhere, the Commanders will need more running backs — probably about three or four more by the time training camp rolls around.
The Joneses can reunite in Washington.
The Cardinals hired a new offensive coordinator last week, and that man's name is Nathaniel Hackett. He's most famous for flaming out as the Denver Broncos ' head coach, but before that, he led the Green Bay Packers ' offense from 2019 to 2021. These are also known as the glory years for Jones — the final two of which Aaron Rodgers won MVP.
Arizona drafted Trey Benson two years ago. His injury resume is a bit spooky. James Conner is recovering from a season-ending injury in 2025.
Jones getting back together with Hackett checks some boxes, with Benson and Jones headlining the Cardinals' rushing offense.
3. Green Bay Packers
This one isn't too mysterious; Jones worked in Green Bay for seven seasons. He was beloved by fans. If he needs a new team, the Packers could easily re-up with Jones as the RB2 behind Josh Jacobs .
Not much explanation needed.
The Jaguars' RB1, Travis Etienne , is probably on the brink of signing with a new team next month. Jacksonville will presumably hand the RB1 baton to speedster Bhayshul Tuten , who flashed at times as a rookie in 2025. After Tuten on the depth chart, it's LeQuint Allen Jr.
Former Vikings assistant quarterback coach Grant Udinski runs the Jaguars' offense. He crossed paths with Jones in Minnesota in 2024.
The Jaguars need a running back, and Jones might need a job. A partnership with Tuten might work.
These men work for the Steelers or may work for the Steelers in 2026:
Mike McCarthy: Jones's former head coach
Aaron Rodgers: Jones's former QB1
Brian Angelichio: Vikings TE coach turned Steelers OC
Frank Cignetti Jr.: A Packers QB coach in 2018
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) talks with Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) following an international matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The veteran players shared a brief postgame exchange after a closely contested contest overseas. Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG: Rodgers and Jones met on the field after Minnesota's loss in the NFL Global Series. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images.
What's more, Pittsburgh tailback Kenneth Gainwell will test free agency in two weeks.
The Steelers are dripping with ties to Jones. If Minnesota cuts him loose, circle Pittsburgh as his top destination, especially if Rodgers returns for Year No. 22.
