ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Jones’ deal includes $13 million in guaranteed money. The 30-year-old back bounced back from an injury-riddled 2023 campaign to rush for 255-1,138-5 while adding another 51 receptions for 408 yards and two scores. The 5.1 yards per touch Jones averaged last season was just off the 5.4 YPT he’s averaged for his career, as Jones proved to be an efficient back in his first year with the Vikes while playing in all 17 games. Jones’ return to the Vikings should be good thing for his fantasy value, but fantasy managers shouldn’t overlook the possibility of the backfield taking more of a committee approach in 2025 — something that was rumored to be on the table by The Athletic’s Alec Lewis earlier this offseason.

According to Lewis, the Vikings met with Jones’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, at last week’s scouting combine. The team reportedly wants to re-sign Jones, who turned 30 last season, but could also target a running back in the draft to get younger at the position. In his first season with the Vikings, Jones rushed for 255-1,138-5 while adding another 51 receptions for 408 yards and two scores. His 5.1 yards per touch were on par with his career average, while his 1,546 total yards from scrimmage marked the second most in his career. The Vikings likely know the risk that comes with relying too much on a running back entering his age-30 season. While Jones could still prove to be a valuable asset, taking a more committee approach should cut down on injury risks while also giving them team options should his efficiency drop off next season.

Jones’ contract was set to void this upcoming Monday, but both sides have agreed to allow more time to reach a new deal. Without this contract tweak, Jones’ $3.2 million in dead money would’ve hit Minnesota’s 2025 in full on Monday. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said last week that he hopes to get Jones back for next season. The 30-year-old running back had a career-high 255 rushing attempts with the Vikings last season and a solid 4.5 yards per attempt. It’s unclear what kind of contract Jones is looking for at this point in his career or how likely the Vikings might be to meet his demands.

Aaron Jones enters the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent after playing the 2024 season on a one-year deal in Minnesota, potentially signaling the end of his run with the Vikings. The veteran back rushed for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season, adding 51 receptions to his ledger. He slowed as the season wore on, ceding additional snaps and opportunities to fellow veteran Cam Akers towards the end of the season. The Vikings have numerous key unrestricted free agents heading into the offseason including all but one starter in the secondary, something that could have this team looking far different on paper heading into the new league year.