Aaron Jones, an eight-year veteran running back, has signed a new contract with the Minnesota Vikings, marking a fresh chapter in his illustrious career. The former fifth-round pick and one-time Pro Bowler, who had spent the first seven years of his NFL journey with the Green Bay Packers, joined the Vikings in 2024.
After a challenging season for the Vikings’ backfield, where Alexander Mattison struggled to make an impact, Jones stepped in as a reliable three-down starter, quickly becoming a key piece of their offense. Starting all 17 games, he notched 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns, and contributed in the passing game with 51 receptions for 408 yards and two additional scores.
In his first season with Minnesota, Aaron Jones proved his worth by delivering consistent performances week in and week out. Despite the Vikings ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round, his contribution was undeniable.
The 14-3 regular-season record showed that his presence in the backfield helped stabilize the offense and allowed Sam Darnold to execute the game plan more effectively. His ability to handle a heavy workload, both as a rusher and a receiver, made him a focal point in the team’s offensive game plans.
Before his move to Minnesota, Aaron Jones entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Green Bay Packers. In his rookie season, Jones impressed with 81 carries for 448 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his explosive potential despite splitting carries with veteran running back Jamaal Williams. Over time, Jones solidified his role as the Packers’ primary back, and in 2019, he had a breakout year under head coach Matt LaFleur’s new system. With 1,086 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns on just 236 attempts, Jones proved he could be a true workhorse for the Packers.
Jones’ career took another significant step forward in 2020 when he made his first Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns on 201 carries. His continued success on the field cemented his reputation as one of the NFL’s top running backs.
Even though his 2021 season was somewhat pedestrian in comparison, he bounced back in 2022 with another 1,100-yard season. Unfortunately, injuries plagued him in 2023, limiting him to just 11 games, and the Packers ultimately chose to part ways with him in favor of Josh Jacobs, setting the stage for Jones to sign with the Vikings.
Over his career, Aaron Jones has played in 114 games and started 102 of them, cementing his place as one of the most durable and reliable running backs in the NFL. With 7,078 rushing yards, 50 touchdowns on 1,432 carries, and 323 receptions for 2,484 yards and 20 scores, Jones has proven himself as a versatile and dynamic playmaker. His move to Minnesota represents the next phase of his career, where he hopes to continue contributing at a high level and help lead the Vikings back to championship contention.
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