LIVE FROM MINNESOTA: WILL AARON JONES REMAIN A VIKING IN 2025?
The Minnesota Vikings have some big decisions to make this offseason. While fans are wondering where Sam Darnold might land and if Harrison Smith has one more season left in him, another pressing question is whether Aaron Jones will remain in Minnesota or test the open market.
Jones, now 30 years old, is coming off a strong season, racking up 1,138 rushing yards and 408 receiving yards. But with 1,755 career touches, the question remains: How much does he have left in the tank?
With free agency looming, the Vikings have a choice—pay up or let him walk. And if they don’t make a move, there are teams ready to swoop in.
STEELERS A POTENTIAL LANDING SPOT FOR AARON JONES?
One team that could be in the mix? The Pittsburgh Steelers. Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are set to hit free agency, meaning the Steelers’ backfield could be completely wide open.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pittsburgh would be a perfect fit for Jones, especially if they’re pushing for another playoff run in 2025.
“If (the Steelers are) looking to compete again in 2025, giving the roster one more go under Mike Tomlin, then a reliable every-down back like Jones makes the most sense,” wrote Jonathon Macri.
Could Pittsburgh be the next stop for Jones? It’s a real possibility.
DID A COSTLY FUMBLE PUT JONES ON THIN ICE IN MINNESOTA?
One moment that might have shifted Jones’ future in Minnesota was a costly pitch-play fumble midway through the 2024 season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t mince words when addressing the mistake.
“This is the National Football League, we’ve got to execute tossing the football,” O’Connell said, per Fox 9. “Whoever’s fault it was, whoever takes the ultimate minus on the sheet, it’s catastrophic… If we’re not going to be able to toss the football, we’ve got much bigger issues to work through. It’s unacceptable.”
Despite the tough talk, Jones later revealed that O’Connell handled the situation with professionalism.
“He just wanted to know what happened,” Jones told ESPN. “He didn’t raise his voice. (And) he didn’t cuss. He didn’t make you tuck your tail. We explained it, and he said to us, ‘It’s OK, guys. We’re good. You’re both pros. I know you’ll get it fixed, so let’s let it go.’”
VIKINGS HAVE THE CAP SPACE TO KEEP JONES
While Jones’ future is uncertain, the Vikings are in a good financial position. According to Spotrac, Minnesota has the seventh-most cap space heading into the offseason, meaning they could easily afford to re-sign him.
On top of that, Jones has been a strong locker room presence, publicly backing Darnold in a tough season.
“One-hundred-ten percent (confident in Darnold),” Jones said in November on the Up & Adams Show. “We ride with Sam. He’s what’s gotten us here so far, and we’re going to continue to stick by his side… That’s what teammates are there for, to pick each other up.”
That’s the kind of leadership teams value—and a big reason why the Vikings might want him back.
RAIDERS EMERGING AS A SERIOUS CONTENDER
Another team now in the conversation? The Las Vegas Raiders. The hiring of Pete Carroll has shifted the team’s approach, and Carroll loves a reliable, durable running back—a role that Jones fits perfectly.
With Las Vegas finishing dead last in rushing last season (79.8 yards per game) and failing to produce a single 500-yard rusher, it’s clear they desperately need help in the backfield.
And with Jones being the best free-agent RB available, the Raiders could be aggressive in making him their next lead back.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR AARON JONES?
The Vikings have a tough decision to make. They have the cap space to keep Jones, but with teams like the Steelers and Raiders lurking, they’ll have to act fast.
Will Minnesota lock him in for another season, or will Jones take his talents elsewhere?
Stay tuned—this offseason just got interesting.
