One of the busiest days involving starting running backs in the position’s history, Monday may feature another move. At least, one appears in play.
The Vikings are interested in longtime Packers RB Aaron Jones, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Matt Schneidman report.
This would be an interesting fit, as Minnesota moved on from its 2017 RB draftee — Dalvin Cook — last year. The Vikings also moved on from their Cook replacement option, Alexander Mattison, creating some uncertainty atop the depth chart.
Green Bay attempted to retain Jones, but Schneidman indicates that came with a significant pay-cut offer. The Packers wanted Jones to reduce his salary by at least 50 percent.
Jones passed, but the Packers gave Josh Jacobs the same $12M-AAV accord they once gave Jones (back in 2021). Jones declined the Packers’ final offer Friday, leading to Monday’s release.
The Vikings are certainly familiar with Jones, having played against the fifth-round success story many times since his 2017 debut. Jones joined Cook as one of this era’s most productive backs, being a better option through the air.
Jones battled through knee and hamstring injuries last season but delivered for the Pack down the stretch. The 29-year-old back ripped off five straight 100-yard rushing games to both secure Green Bay playoff entry and then power the team to the precipice of the NFC title game.
Although Packers GM Brian Gutekunst expected Jones to be back for an eighth season in Wisconsin, the pay-cut attempt led to a separation.
Ty Chandler remains on the Minnesota roster; two seasons are left on the end-of-season starter’s rookie contract. Many teams also filled their RB slots today, with the likes of Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, D’Andre Swift, Tony Pollard, Devin Singletary, Antonio Gibson and Austin Ekeler finding homes.
Jones showed in January he remains a high-end talent, but he will turn 30 before next season ends. His next contract, despite what Jacobs and Barkley fetched on Monday, will not approach the four-year, $48M Packers pact he once signed.
But it would still obviously be interesting if the longtime Packer starter landed in Minnesota and enjoyed the opportunity to face his former team twice in 2024.
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