The edge rushers for the Minnesota Vikings have changed a lot over the years, but many of the former purple and gold defenders have gone on to find success with other teams after their time in Minnesota came to an end.
Today's edge rushing unit is strong for the Vikings. Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, and others have the Minnesota defense among the most respected units in the league, while former players are finding roles for themselves elsewhere.
One example of a player who left Minnesota to do good things somewhere else is Patrick Jones II. Following the 2024 season, Jones was a free agent who signed with the Carolina Panthers. He signed a two-year deal worth $20 million based on his potential to become a starter.
Former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Patrick Jones II will miss the rest of the 2025 NFL season with the Carolina Panthers because of a back injury.
Patrick Jones II had 12 sacks as a backup/rotational player for the Minnesota Vikings and had a solid start in Carolina by registering a sack and a pass defense in four games. Sadly, the young outside linebacker will not be able to continue his development with the Panthers this year.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently shared on X that Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales informed reporters that Patrick Jones suffered a back injury that will require surgery and sideline him for the rest of the season.
#Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters that OLB Patrick Jones II will miss the rest of the season because of a back injury that will require surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2025
At 27 years old, Jones will have the opportunity to return to action once he recovers from his back surgery. A former third-round pick of the Vikings in 2021, the potential has always been there for the edge rusher to be a solid contributor in the NFL.
A starter for the Panthers, Jones' absence leaves a hole that Carolina doesn't have a lot of depth to cover. Another former Minnesota outside linebacker, D.J. Wonnum, will need to pick up some slack since he is listed as the starter opposite Jones.
Many Minnesota Vikings fans love to cheer for former purple and gold players. Those hoping Patrick Jones II would thrive for the Carolina Panthers will need to take a step back and be patient as the young edge rusher recovers from season-ending back surgery. Hopefully, he can make a full and speedy recovery to return to the football field next season and continue to develop as a pass rusher.