Last offseason, Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones became the latest player to sign with the Minnesota Vikings after spending multiple seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Jones turned out to be a great addition for the Vikings, as he wound up putting together one of the best single-season performances of his NFL career.
But since Minnesota only signed him to a one-year contract in 2024, his tenure with the franchise might be short-lived, as he's currently scheduled to become a free agent again this offseason.
After accumulating more than 1,500 total yards during the 2024 campaign, Jones is going to have plenty of interest in free agency this year, so a return to the Vikings isn't a guarantee, especially after what a recent report revealed.
Minnesota Vikings reported RB plan for 2025 could lead to Aaron Jones departure
On Monday, The Athletic's Alec Lewis shared a bunch of nuggets that he heard during his time at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine last week, and some of what he revealed centered around Minnesota's plan for its offensive backfield next season.
"Last week, Minnesota’s brass met with Drew Rosenhaus, who represents a bevy of Vikings players including running back Aaron Jones. The Vikings want to re-sign Jones, but even if they do, they are seeking more of a by-committee approach. Expect the Vikings to take a running back in the draft."
So, according to Lewis, the Vikings want to bring Jones back for another season. However, with Minnesota reportedly wanting to shift more toward a "by-committee approach" in its offensive backfield, his touches would likely decrease in 2025 if he decides to re-sign with the Vikings.
Fewer touches for someone like Jones, coming off the productive season he had in 2024, is something that could definitely result in him not returning. But for as well as he played last season, Minnesota's rushing attack still ranked 28th in the NFL in expected points added in 2024, and the team clearly wants that to improve next season.
In the end, Jones returning to the Vikings will likely come down to how much the team is willing to pay him, and if another team presents him with a similar offer and a larger role in their offense, then it's very possible that he will be back on the field next season in a different uniform.