Like other notable players before him, Aaron Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings when his tenure with the Green Bay Packers came to an end. Last year, Green Bay informed Jones that they wanted him to take a $4 million pay cut in order to stay with them after they signed Josh Jacobs in free agency. Since he had already taken a pay cut the year prior, the Packers’ third all-time leading rusher declined to do so again.
As a result, he was released.
Following his departure from Green Bay, Jones signed with the Vikings on a one-year $7 million contract, $1 million more than the Packers were willing to pay him.
And it turned out to be a good move for both parties.
Aaron Jones Had One of the Best Years of His Career for the Minnesota Vikings
After playing in just 11 games for the Packers in 2023, Jones started all 17 for the Vikings and proved to everyone that he was not done yet. In fact, he had one of the best seasons of his entire career.
Jones ended his first season in Minnesota with 255 carries for 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns. It was just the second time he eclipsed 1,100 yards in his career and was his highest rushing total in any year that he has played.
In addition, Jones added 51 receptions for 408 yards and two more touchdowns. His receptions total was the third-highest of his career and receiving yards total his second-best.
When the season ended, Jones was asked about 2025 and where he would like to play. He said then that his preference was to stay in Minnesota.
And he is getting his wish.
Minnesota Vikings Fans Have Mixed Reactions to the Aaron Jones Contract
Tork Mason
Earlier today, it was reported that Jones and the Vikings are in agreement on a two-year contract that is worth $20 million. He will be staying put.
Many fans were happy with this news while others expressed concern about his age and mileage on his legs already:
Huge piece of the culture. https://t.co/EWzlclAW7x
— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) March 9, 2025
Not that they were going to, but now Minnesota won’t feel the pressure to reach at RB in the draft. Aaron Jones + a day 2 guy in this class would be a great outcome. https://t.co/QRDSUAsF9D
— JV (@JVSwaps) March 9, 2025
This is a bad contract. Injury prone, didn’t look very good down the stretch last year AND this running back class is loaded. Feels like a desperation move due to a lack of picks this year https://t.co/3NhUllPFLU
— Zach Rehfuss🥭 (@zach_rehfuss) March 9, 2025
Big money for a running back who turns 31 later this year. https://t.co/0uIoIZRqPh
— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) March 9, 2025
Regardless of how some fans may feel, the fact of the matter is that Jones is one of the best locker room guys in the entire NFL and any team would be lucky to have him. With Minnesota likely moving on from Sam Darnold, retaining Jones ensures that the offense does not look too different from the one that went 14-3 last season.
More Minnesota Vikings News from Gridiron Heroics
- Breaking: Vikings Agree to Massive Multi-Year Deal
- “Below Average Starter;” the Case Against a Sam Darnold Mega Deal
- Vikings Make $40 Million Decision on Sam Darnold
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