Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33). Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings work things out with veteran RB Aaron Jones

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 7:14 PM ET

Aaron Jones and the Minnesota Vikings have come to an agreement that will see the veteran running back return for another season.

According to NFL reporters Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapaport, Jones has agreed to take a pay cut to stay with the Vikings.

He'll be lowering his base salary to $5.6 million for the 2026 season, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. That will include $5 million in guaranteed money, but that's down from $10 million.

Jones' salary cap number is also estimated to fall from $14.8 million to around $10 million.

The Vikings and RB Aaron Jones have agreed to a revised contract to keep him in Minnesota for the 2026 season, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Jones lowers his base salary to $5.5 million and will stay in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/IWHi9M9rvC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026

Minnesota Vikings hoping for a return to form from Aaron Jones

Jones, 31, is known as a team player, and he's well-respected in the Vikings locker room. With that said, taking a salary cut was really the only way the Vikings could justify keeping him on for 2026.

He played in just 12 games last season due to injury, rushing for 548 yards and just two touchdowns. His 747 total yards from scrimmage were his lowest total since his rookie season.

Jones was a workhorse for the Vikings in 2024, though, so they'll undoubtedly be hoping he can regain that form in 2026.

In 2024, he rushed 255 times for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns while adding 51 catches for 408 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver.

He hit his career high in total touches (306), offensive snaps (700) and rushing yards in this season.

Jones has always been susceptible to injuries, going back to his time with the Green Bay Packers, though. He's as tough as they come as a runner, but checks in at just 5-foot-10, 208 pounds, so it just comes with the territory.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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