RADIO
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has been one of the top runners in the NFL. While he has only four rushing touchdowns over the past two years, the veteran has been one of the more impactful running backs.
Jones had a disappointing 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers, totaling 142 rushing attempts for 656 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. While he struggled with injuries, the veteran still impacted Jordan Love and the offense, racking up 30 receptions on 43 targets for 233 receiving yards and a touchdown.
The former Texas-El Paso star ended the year playing well, including during the postseason. Many thought Jones would return in 2024, especially if he took a pay cut.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Why Did The Green Bay Packers Release Aaron Jones?
Green Bay surprised everyone on Monday, signing former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year deal worth $48 million. Many expected the team to keep Jones on the roster and use a Day 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on a rookie. The veteran would stick around for one more season before the rookie took over as the lead guy in 2025.
Packers to sign RB Josh Jacobs. (via @rapsheet + @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/ethxQZUDrx
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2024
Instead, the Packers took advantage of their current salary-cap situation, signing a younger star running back to pair with Love. Jacobs had a disappointing 2023 season, but was one of the top running backs in the NFL two years ago. More importantly, Green Bay structured Jacobs’ contract to give them salary-cap space this offseason and options after the upcoming season.
The Fantasy Football Impact Of Aaron Jones Signing With The Minnesota Vikings
The Packers asked Jones to take a significant pay cut to stay with the team. Reportedly, they asked him to cut his salary in half. When those talks broke down, Green Bay released the veteran running back.
However, Jones wasn’t on the open market for long. He quickly signed a one-year deal worth $7 million with the Vikings, making him one of several former Packer players to join the NFC North division rival over the years.
NFC North swap: The #Vikings and former #Packers RB Aaron Jones agreed to terms on a one-year, $7 million deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/AEALzoiLJU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024
Minnesota released Alexander Mattison earlier this offseason, leaving Ty Chandler as the only meaningful running back on the roster. While the team has high hopes for the former North Carolina star, adding Jones will allow the team to lean on the run game more in 2024. Unfortunately, that will be needed with Kirk Cousins leaving for the Atlanta Falcons.
While much will change for the Vikings over the next few months, Jones’ early fantasy football outlook is as a low-end RB2 with upside.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
More Fantasy Football Analysis
