Minnesota Vikings working again Aaron Jones (33) does a Lambeau Leap with followers following a 31-29 victory in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Subject in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs.
The necessity to enhance the run recreation is turning into a staple of the Kevin O’Connell-led Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings turned to a former foe to enhance issues in 2024, and they need to give Aaron Jones another yr. The previous Inexperienced Bay Packer made a distinction and confirmed he nonetheless had a lot to supply.
Vikings Ought to Give Aaron Jones 1 Extra 12 months
In his first season in purple, Jones performed in each recreation — an essential stat for a participant who got here with query marks over his damage historical past and age. He additionally had a career-high 255 dashing makes an attempt for a career-high 1138 yards. He managed 5 dashing touchdowns — a number of extra would have been preferable. An RB in O’Connell’s system must contribute to the passing recreation, and Jones has been top-of-the-line pass-catchers out of the backfield since he entered the league.
Jeremy Reper-Imagn Photographs.
In 2024, Jones caught 51 of 62 targets, 408 yards, and two touchdowns. Total, he had an excellent yr by way of yards, with over 1,500 from scrimmage and an honest return of seven complete touchdowns.
At 30 years outdated, Jones is taken into account outdated for an RB, though I don’t foresee his capability to fall off a cliff between now and September. The choice to deliver him again for a second yr will largely come right down to worth. He signed a one-year, $7 million contract to cross the border final yr. Like many of the contracts the Vikings have handed out just lately, the deal concerned cash pushed again into void years for instant wage cap aid — $3.2 million, to be actual. The void years had been unfold out to 2028, however all of the useless cash would come ahead this yr ought to the Vikings let Jones depart.
John Jones-Imagn Photographs.
A brand new deal at an identical quantity to the one Jones signed final yr might see Jones return for a similar value in opposition to the wage cap as letting him go and re-signing Cam Akers or one other veteran RB. It might additionally imply extra money pushed again into later years — $4-5 million, relying on how a lot the Vikings wish to save this yr. Then, subsequent yr, it is going to seemingly be time to say goodbye, particularly if Minnesota will get this subsequent bit proper.
Drafting a Rookie RB
There was loads of hypothesis in regards to the Vikings drafting an RB in what is taken into account a gifted and deep rookie class this yr. The Vikings ought to do that, and it shouldn’t hinge on whether or not Jones returns. A yr taking part in in tandem with Jones earlier than doubtlessly taking over a full workload ought to profit a rookie, and I fully endorse this route.
The largest identify on this yr’s draft at RB is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who wowed onlookers with 2,595 dashing yards and 29 dashing touchdowns in 2024. With the Vikings selecting at 24, it feels an extended shot that Jeanty falls that far. Anybody else needs to be in attain for the Vikings at 24 ought to they want to take an RB with their first decide within the draft.
There must also be loads of alternative to commerce again and add to their miserly 4 draft picks and nonetheless get one of many prime RBs on Day 2 of the draft. Omarion Hampton, Kaleb Johnson, Cam Skattebo, Dylan Sampson, TreyVeyon Henderson, and Quinton Judkins needs to be obtainable.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Photographs.
Jones and a kind of names would give the Vikings a robust backfield, and I’d additionally look to deliver Akers again for added depth. In fact, what the Vikings resolve to do on the prime of the draft will likely be closely influenced by what they do in free company earlier than draft day.
Key areas of the workforce want addressing, just like the offensive line, cornerback, and defensive position. The inside defensive position is one other robust space, with loads of depth on this yr’s draft.
Re-signing Jones, buying and selling again from 24, and drafting an RB and a DT could be good selections that might doubtlessly add appreciable depth to the Vikings’ roster.
