Vikings Can't Rely on Aging Aaron Jones as Long-Term Solution

Minnesota must find a younger running back to complement veteran Jones in the backfield.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:05pm

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The Minnesota Vikings have restructured veteran running back Aaron Jones' contract to keep him on the team for the 2026 season, but the 32-year-old can no longer be viewed as a long-term solution in the backfield. Jones struggled with injuries and declining production in 2025, and the Vikings need to prioritize finding a younger running back in the upcoming draft to pair with him and eventually take over the lead role.

Why it matters

The Vikings have lacked a consistent young presence at running back since the departure of Dalvin Cook, and relying too heavily on the aging Jones could stunt the development of a potential future star at the position. Minnesota needs to get younger and more dynamic in the backfield to support their passing game and take pressure off the quarterback.

The details

Jones is back on a $5.5 million contract for 2026 after the Vikings opted to restructure his deal rather than release him. However, the veteran running back struggled with injuries and saw his yards per carry drop to 4.2, the lowest of his career. With Jordan Mason as the only other proven back on the roster, the Vikings must use the draft to find a long-term solution at the position.

  • Jones played in all 17 games for the Vikings in 2024, his first season with the team.
  • In 2025, Jones played in just 12 games and saw his yards per carry drop to 4.2.

The players

Aaron Jones

A 32-year-old veteran running back who has spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.

Jordan Mason

A running back who has been with the Vikings for the past two seasons and saw increased playing time in 2025 when Jones was injured.

Emmett Johnson

A running back prospect from the University of Nebraska who is from Minnesota and led the Big Ten in rushing in 2025, making him a potential target for the Vikings in the upcoming draft.

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What they’re saying

“The reality is that a 32-year-old Aaron Jones has almost equal value in the locker room as he does on the field. There should be no expectation that he can get through a full season, and finding a renewed sense of production is a lofty bet as well.”

— Ted Schwerzler, Writer (vikingsterritory.com)

What’s next

The Vikings will need to use at least a mid-round draft pick on a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft to find a long-term complement to the aging Aaron Jones in the backfield.

The takeaway

While Aaron Jones provides veteran leadership and experience, the Vikings can no longer rely on him as their long-term solution at running back. Minnesota must prioritize finding a younger, more dynamic back in the draft to build around for the future and take pressure off their passing game.