Vikings, RB Aaron Jones Agree On Rework

Jones will remain in Minnesota after reworking his contract

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The Minnesota Vikings and veteran running back Aaron Jones have agreed on a reworked contract that will keep Jones with the team for the 2026 season. The new deal lowers Jones' base salary to $5.6 million, with $5 million guaranteed.

Why it matters

Jones was initially set to earn a $9 million base salary in 2026, and the Vikings were prepared to move on from him via trade or release to create salary cap space. This reworked contract allows the team to retain a productive running back who played a key role in their 14-3 season in 2024.

The details

Jones, 31, initially joined the Vikings in 2024 on a one-year, $7 million deal after declining a pay cut from the Green Bay Packers. He went on to have a strong season, totaling 1,546 scrimmage yards and 7 touchdowns. However, injury issues limited him to just 547 rushing yards in 2025. The Vikings were prepared to move on, but the two sides were able to agree on a restructured contract that lowers Jones' base salary while still providing $5 million in guaranteed money.

  • The contract rework was completed just before the NFL's cap-compliance deadline.

The players

Aaron Jones

A 31-year-old veteran running back who has played the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Jordan Mason

A running back who was acquired by the Vikings in a trade and ended up leading the team in rushing yards in 2025 with 758 yards.

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What they’re saying

“Aaron Jones will not be a Vikings cap casualty, after all. The sides agreed on a reworked deal that positions the veteran running back to play a third season in Minnesota.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL.com reporter (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Vikings will move forward with a running back tandem of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This contract rework allows the Vikings to retain a productive veteran running back in Aaron Jones while providing salary cap relief. It highlights the team's commitment to building around a strong running game to support quarterback Sam Darnold.