In an era where running backs have rarely been valued less, the Minnesota Vikings are betting big that Aaron Jones can become a focal point of the offense.
The Vikings signed Jones shortly after the Green Bay Packers moved on from the veteran running back, in favor of adding Josh Jacobs to quarterback Jordan Love’s supporting cast.
Now, after putting pen to paper on a one-year “prove it” deal worth $7 million, Jones could be in for one of the most prolific seasons of his career.
Minnesota Vikings’ Aaron Jones Labeled ‘Bounce Back’ Player to Watch
Jones battled through myriad injuries during his final season in Green Bay, resulting in the fourth-lowest statistical output of his career.
Last season, Jones rushed for just 656 yards with two touchdowns, while appearing in only 11 games.
Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker put together a list of each team’s most likely bounce-back player for the 2024 season, including predicting Jones for the Vikings.
“Jones mustered 889 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns last year,” Locker writes for PFF. “Primarily because he missed six games with hamstring and knee injuries. At the same time, his numbers after contact and in receiving efficiency were largely on par with the past few years, where he was one of the top backfield weapons in football. Plus, Jones earned four straight games with a grade above 80.0 as the season wound down, presumably as he got healthier.
“If he can avoid more injuries, Jones could shoulder an even higher carry proportion in his first year in Minnesota, particularly because there aren’t exactly running backs equivalent to A.J. Dillon (especially a few years ago) behind him. Jones should prove key in helping either Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy, given Kevin O’Connell’s affinity for play action.”
In an offense that includes electrifying playmaker Justin Jefferson at receiver, opposite an emerging Jordan Addison, if the Vikings get improved and more consistent quarterback play this season, Jones’ versatility as a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield could spark a renaissance in 2024.
