Minnesota Vikings Face Tough Decisions in the Running Back Room as Aaron Jones Eyes Free Agency
While much of the focus around the Minnesota Vikings has been on their quarterback situation, there’s another significant area of uncertainty heading into 2025: the running back room.
Reports suggest that the Vikings may opt not to bring back either starter Aaron Jones or backup Cam Akers, and the team appears less than thrilled with third-stringer Ty Chandler, whose rookie deal expires after the 2025 season.
Aaron Jones, who joined the Vikings after being released by the Packers in the wake of the Josh Jacobs signing, delivered an outstanding season, rushing for a career-high 1,138 yards and adding five touchdowns. However, with several key players needing contracts—such as cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Byron Murphy, guard Dalton Risner, and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard—Minnesota may prioritize their salary cap elsewhere.
Additionally, if the Vikings choose to re-sign Sam Darnold using the franchise tag, which would cost $40 million+ per year, the likelihood of retaining Jones decreases further.
Aaron Jones Could Be on the Move in 2025
If the Vikings choose to let Jones test free agency, several teams could emerge as potential landing spots.
The Dallas Cowboys are one option, as they’ve struggled to establish a consistent running game since losing Tony Pollard in 2024. However, with only $7 million in projected cap space for 2025, Dallas may hesitate to spend big on a 30-year-old running back.
The Los Angeles Chargers, led by new head coach Jim Harbaugh, could also be a fit. Harbaugh turned the team around in 2024 and may want to bolster the run game, especially with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards struggling. Still, Harbaugh may prefer younger, cheaper talent from the draft.
One surprising option, however, is the Las Vegas Raiders.
Could the Raiders Be the Best Fit for Aaron Jones?
The Raiders, despite finishing with one of the league’s worst rushing attacks in 2024, are an intriguing option. Zamir White failed to capitalize on his 2023 promise, and with $95 million in projected cap space for 2025, Las Vegas has the financial flexibility to make a splash in free agency.
While rebuilding teams typically avoid signing older running backs, PFF’s Mason Cameron sees the Raiders as a strong fit for Jones:
*”Despite pushing 30 years old and finding a new home, Jones continued to perform with an exceptional level of consistency in Minnesota, having never produced a regular season below a 75.0 PFF overall grade. Armed with a new career-high mark in rushing yardage (1,138), Jones again enters the market.
Given the success he found playing with Sam Darnold in the Vikings’ backfield, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see the Raiders invest to bring that well-rounded production to Allegiant Stadium.”*
If Sam Darnold also ends up in Las Vegas, reuniting him with Jones could provide the Raiders with a dynamic backfield pairing and an offense built on established chemistry. With Tom Brady firmly entrenched in ownership, the Raiders may be ready to overhaul their offense and make a statement in 2025.
Will the Vikings let go of one of their most productive players, or will Jones find himself wearing silver and black next season? Only time will tell.
