Running back Aaron Jones will remain in the NFC North.
A day after his release by the Green Bay Packers, Jones is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year, $7 million deal, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday, per sources informed of the situation.
After agreeing to terms with Josh Jacobs, the Packers released the 29-year-old running back on Monday. Jones was set to count $17.575 million against Green Bay’s salary cap. The Packers brass attempted to get Jones to take a pay cut to return — much like he did last season — but the veteran running back declined, leading to his release.
A day later, he agrees to a deal with a Packers rival and will face his former team twice in 2024.
He now heads to Minnesota to continue the long pipeline of former Packers donned purple, joining the likes of Brett Favre, Greg Jennings, Za’Darius Smith and others.
Jones immediately becomes the Vikings’ go-to back, able to shoulder the load for whoever winds up under center in 2024. Minnesota recently cut Alexander Mattison after his one-season dalliance as RB1. Jones joins a running back room with Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride. Cam Akers is also a restricted free agent.
Jones’ ability as a dual-threat playmaker will be an enticing option in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.