The Minnesota Vikings are getting a key member of their offense back for 2025.
Former Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones has agreed on a new contract. The Vikings announced the deal on Sunday. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two sides agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract. The contract comes with $13 million in guaranteed money, per the report.
An eight-year pro, Jones joined Minnesota from the rival Green Bay Packers last season and was a key contributor to a Vikings team that finished 14-3 before a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. Jones, 30, started all 17 regular-season games for Minnesota. He tallied 1,546 yards and seven touchdowns from scrimmage while averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
He didn’t make the Pro Bowl, but certainly flashed the form that made him a Pro Bowler with the Packers in 2020 for a Vikings offense that was one of the NFL’s best. The effort was enough to compel the Vikings to secure his services again before the start of free agency. Jones previously played on a one-year, $7 million deal.
Will Sam Darnold join Jones in the Vikings backfield?
While Jones’ status is secure, Minnesota’s biggest offseason question remains unanswered. The Vikings declined to extend the franchise tag to quarterback Sam Darnold, who remains without a contract for next season.
Darnold is reportedly engaged in negotiations with the Vikings ahead of the March 12 start of free agency. But his status with the Vikings is anything but certain moving forward.
Darnold signed as the backup in Minnesota last season and ended up the surprise starter after a preseason injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy. The former first-round pick responded with the best season of his career before disappointing performances in Minnesota’s regular-season finale against the Lions and in their playoff loss to the Rams raised questions about his future with the franchise.
McCarthy is expected to return healthy next season after undergoing a meniscus repair to his right knee.
