CONGRATULATIONS: As Vikings re-up key free agent with $21 million multi-year deal

The Minnesota Vikings will enter the new league year with a number of position groups in flux, including quarterback, running back, offensive guard, defensive tackle, cornerback and safety.

The team appears to be gaining traction on at least one of those needs, now less than a month away from the new league year.

NFL insider Field Yates reported over the weekend that the Vikings and running back Aaron Jones agreed to move the void date on his contract, essentially buying the two sides more time to work out an extension. Keeping Jones in the fold figures to be a priority for Minnesota, as only Ty Chandler and his expiring rookie contract is currently under team control for 2025.

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report predicts the Vikings will re-up Jones with a new three-year deal worth $21 million. Here was his take on one of Minnesota’s top pending free agents staying home:

Jones will be on the wrong side of 30 entering the 2025 season, but there’s no denying his heavy impact on Kevin O’Connell’s offense in his first year with the Vikings. He amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards, giving O’Connell better run-pass balance than they’ve had in recent seasons.

Minnesota will definitely need to get younger at the running back position, and Jones worked well in a two-back tandem during his time with the Green Bay Packers. Doubling down on the position in the draft feels like the play here, but extending a player with Jones’ impact at just $7 million per year feels like a no-brainer.