COMMITTED: Vikings Top Candidate Signed 4-Time Pro Bowl RB as Aaron Jones Replacement

All things being equal, the Minnesota Vikings should be more than fine offensively if Aaron Jones returns to the roster next season — but extenuating circumstances could result in a new starting running back in 2025.

Jones amassed 1,546 yards from scrimmage and 7 total TDs during his first season in Minnesota, and offered that production at the cost of just $7 million. The outcome was excellent, and its value even more impressive given the minimal hit to the Vikings’ salary cap.

Spotrac projects that Jones is worth $5.6 million on a new one-year contract, which would easily clear a path for Minnesota to re-sign the former Green Bay Packers star if that is the path the Vikings want to travel.

But Jones, who turned 30 years old in December, is liable to want more security than that after the type of season he just posted — both in terms of total years and money guaranteed. Minnesota has a projected $64.4 million in salary cap space as of Monday, January 20, and can accommodate a raise for Jones if the front office wishes.

However, 30 years is a benchmark age for most running backs historically when health/production tends to careen off the edge of the proverbial performance cliff.

Given Jones’ history of injury and the importance of a high-performing rusher alongside whichever quarterback starts in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system next season, Minnesota may be more inclined to either draft a high-end prospect this April or look at a less expensive veteran with legitimate upside in free agency.

If the Vikings go the latter route, among the best potential candidates is four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns.

Vikings Can Offer Nick Chubb Top Scenario to Rebuild Value