Ex-Packers RB Aaron Jones changes sides in rivalry, set to join Vikings: Sources

Over the years, few Green Bay Packers have terrorized the Minnesota Vikings more than Aaron Jones. The running back averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 11 games played in the rivalry. Now, he’ll be switching sides.

Jones agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $7 million on Tuesday morning, according to team and league sources. He joins Minnesota as its starting running back.

The move occurred one day after the Packers cut Jones, who will turn 30 in December. The Athletic reported that Green Bay asked Jones to take about a 50 percent pay cut, if not more, entering the final year of a four-year, $48 million contract. He was set to make $12 million in base salary and bonuses with the Packers.

Grab your purple sombreros, RB Aaron Jones is expected to join the Minnesota Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/9HBW6CBlUt

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2024

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How he fits

Minnesota has had a revolving door of running backs in Kevin O’Connell’s time as the Vikings’ head coach. First, it was Dalvin Cook. Last year, Alexander Mattison shouldered the starting load. Now, it’ll be Jones.

Several weeks ago, the Vikings released Mattison. Minnesota had hoped he could lift its run game to a new, more efficient level, but Mattison lacked explosiveness. The release created about $3.35 million in cap space.

The Vikings have faith in third-year player Ty Chandler, who broke out in December with 132 yards on 23 carries against the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, he’s more of a change-of-pace back, not a No. 1. Needing a bellcow, the Vikings turned to Jones, who will now become a focal point of the Vikings offense.

2024 impact

Jones will provide an immediate burst in the backfield. He ranked third in the NFL among 35 qualifying running backs in average yards after contract in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. (Mattison ranked 24th.)

His presence will matter in the overall calculus of how defenses attempt to defend the Vikings offense. Typically, opposing defenses have loaded up to stop superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, exceptional tight end T.J. Hockenson and budding wide receiver Jordan Addison. Doing so leaves holes against the run, especially if the Vikings’ run-blocking unit is on point. Adding Jones’ juice gives defenses something new to consider. Load the box to stop Jones, and, if quarterback Sam Darnold or a potential rookie can process quickly and throw the ball accurately, the Vikings will likely beat you through the air.

History

Consider what Jones has done against the Vikings since he entered the league in 2017: 11 games played, 149 carries, 847 yards, five touchdowns and a 57.7 percent success rate. Simply put, he has been dominant.

But he has to be healthy, and hamstring, knee and ankle injuries have hampered Jones over the last three years. He only played 11 games last season. In the four years before that, Jones averaged 15.5 games per season. Staying healthy is going to be key not only for him but most of the Vikings’ free-agent signings. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and linebacker Blake Cashman have all navigated injuries during their careers.

Cap update

The Vikings don’t have much left to spend. They do, though, have levers they can pull to create additional room. They could restructure Brian O’Neill’s contract, push some of Hockenson’s money into the future, agree to a pay cut with safety Harrison Smith, extend Justin Jefferson and more. In other words, if the Vikings want to add a cornerback or defensive lineman — and odds are they do — they have the room to do so.

Outlook

The NFC North is still going to present a difficult challenge, and even though the Vikings agreed to a deal with Sam Darnold, quarterback remains a major question mark. But the Vikings’ moves do provide some intrigue. Their defense is quicker and more talented. Offensively, their run game should receive a considerable boost. Questions still exist on the offensive and defensive lines, and that may end up being the difference between where they are and where they want to go.

Mueller on the Jones signing

Jones signing quickly with the Vikings seems to be getting lauded in most corners. The Vikings quickly pivoted again at the running back position once Jones became available as the odd man out in Green Bay. The Packers had not been happy with the production from the RB position for the last couple of years. Durability is a concern for me with Jones, but I see the talent. He is more of a security blanket being paired with Ty Chandler, who came out of nowhere to impress Vikings decision-makers last season. Frankly, I don’t see a ton of difference between Jones and Alexander Mattison, who was released recently. — Randy Mueller, NFL staff writer

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(Photo: Ron Jenkins / Getty Images)