In his debut season with the Minnesota Vikings, Aaron Jones delivered one of the best performances of his NFL career. Over 17 games in 2024, Jones achieved a career-high 1,138 rushing yards and added five touchdowns on the ground. Additionally, he contributed significantly as a receiver, catching 51 passes for 408 yards and scoring two more touchdowns. His total of 1,546 yards from scrimmage was the second-highest in his professional career, showcasing his versatility and value to the team.
Free Agency Looms for Jones
Despite his stellar season, Jones’s future with the Vikings is uncertain as he is set to become a free agent in March. Both the player and the team seem interested in continuing their relationship, but the final decision will hinge on the cost of retaining him. The Vikings face a tough choice between offering Jones a new deal or letting him test the free-agent market, given the financial and strategic implications.
Spotrac.com projects Jones’s market value at $5.6 million per year, but Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently proposed a more ambitious deal for the Vikings to consider. Knox suggested a three-year, $21 million contract, arguing that it would be a fitting reward for Jones’s impressive season. While Knox’s proposal underscores Jones’s impact on the team, it raises questions about whether the Vikings are willing to commit to such a substantial investment, especially for a veteran running back.
Concerns About Longevity and Alternatives
Jones’s age and the realities of his position complicate the decision. At 30 years old, he is entering a phase where many running backs experience a decline in performance due to wear and tear. Compounding this, the 2025 NFL Draft is expected to feature a strong class of running back prospects, making it an attractive alternative for the Vikings to secure younger, long-term talent at the position.
Given these factors, the Vikings might prefer to offer Jones a one-year contract, allowing them to evaluate his performance in 2025 while preparing to draft a successor. Although Jones would likely welcome the financial security of a three-year, $21 million deal, it seems improbable that Minnesota would agree to such terms. Instead, a shorter-term deal could balance the team’s immediate needs with its long-term strategy.