Vikings show glimpse of how they will use Aaron Jones in the offense

"(We're) pretty darn excited to have Aaron as part of our team," Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said last month. "We've felt, from the opposite sideline, his impact on games. I just know what he's been a part of as an offensive weapon in the run game and also the pass game is something that has always drawn me to him. Then you'll learn more about him, you meet him, the toughness, the intangibles. He's got that building-changer-type quality to him."

Offensive weapon

When the Packers signed Aaron Jones to a four-year, $48 million deal back in 2021, the argument was exactly how versatile the player is. Last season, without affected by hamstring and knee injuries, he finished the season with 30 receptions for 233 yards and a receiving touchdown in 40 targets.

His receiving touchdown came against the Chicago Bears in week 1, on a 4th & 3, showing how valuable and effective he can be.

The Minnesota Vikings have excellent receiving weapons with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight end TJ Hockenson, but a running back being a real receiving threat down the field can be truly helpful for the offense.

The offensive situation is still questionable because of the quarterback. The Vikings signed veteran Sam Darnold to be a bridge, and traded slightly up in the first round to take JJ McCarthy as the quarterback of the future. Whoever the starter may be, Jones' abilities can make his life much easier.

Aaron Jones is one of the most efficient running backs in NFL history. In seven seasons, he's had 1,177 rushing attempts for 5,940 yards — an impressive 5.0 yards per carry average. Jones has also had 272 receptions for 2,076 receiving yards, with 63 total touchdowns.

Beyond Aaron Jones, the Vikings' running back depth also has Ty Chandler, a fifth-round pick in 2022, plus returning pieces in Myles Gaskin, DeWayne McBride, Kene Nwangwu, besides fullback CJ Ham.