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Running back Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are coming close to the time in which they need to make a decision on RB Aaron Jones.
Minnesota currently sits in the neighborhood of -$40 million in cap space. They will have many major decisions to make with key players like T.J. Hockenson and Jonathan Allen. Those are just a few among a multitude of “big” names that need restructured contracts at the very least.
One player is the Vikings’ lead running back since 2024, Aaron Jones. Since joining Minnesota in 2024, Jones has been a reliable rusher when healthy. As a Viking, he has totaled 1,686 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed 3 receiving touchdowns.
Jones, however, is aging and is due a large amount of money in 2026. His current cap number sits at about $14 million, and will turn 32 this December.
Vikings Need to Make Decision on Aaron Jones
GettyAaron Jones #33 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on November 30, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Matt Okada of NFL.com recently wrote about Aaron Jones, agreeing that he is a major cut candidate for Vikings team needing to clear some of the books.
“I labeled Jones as a cut candidate two years ago. And while he was very good in his first year in Minnesota, the veteran running back struggled a bit in 2025, posting a career-low 4.9 yards per touch and scoring three touchdowns in 12 games. He also averaged just 2.8 yards after contact per carry and a 9.1% explosive run rate (also career lows).
Jones turned 31 in December and has always thrived on his explosiveness, an area in which a downturn is expected with aging backs. Cutting him frees up $6.8 million in cap space for a team currently $40.1 million in the red. This feels like a bit of a no-brainer.”
Jones Has Plenty of Suitors Around the NFL
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 09: Aaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Texans 20-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Mike Moraitis of The Sporting News named a trio of suitors if Jones is to be released by Minnesota. These teams are the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and the Arizona Cardinals.
Jones to Detroit would be interesting, seeing as it would be Jones’ third different team he’s suited up for in the NFC North.
“The Lions have sported one of the best one-two punches at running back in recent years with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
However, general manager Brad Holmes made no promises about Montgomery’s future in Detroit and he could be cut or traded this offseason. If that happens, the Lions would need another back to take some of the load off Gibbs and Jones is someone who makes sense for that role.”
Moraitis also mentioned the 49ers in regarding to pending free agent running back Brian Robinson. An aging Christian McCaffery, while still effective, will need a running-mate.
Also mentioned about the Arizona Cardinals is the James Conner situation. Moraitis describes Conner as another cut candidate, and the “jury is still out” on Trey Benson. A Jones signing would be “insurance” for the Arizona backfield.
Brevan Bane Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane
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