The NFC North backfields are being turned upside down!
One day after D’Andre Swift signed with the Chicago Bears and Josh Jacobs agreed with the Green Bay Packers, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports the Minnesota Vikings will bring in Aaron Jones (who was released by the Packers yesterday). He will replace Alexander Mattison and figures to be the team’s new starter.
Jones had an up and down 2023 campaign, failing to score double digits in five of his first seven games while dealing with a bum knee. He caught fire down the stretch, though, scoring 14-plus fantasy points in each of his last five games including the playoffs. During that ultra-productive stretch, Jones rushed for 100-plus yards in every single game while averaging nearly six yards per attempt.
The move to Minnesota is a positive one, as he’ll be the lead back and should see plenty of volume. He’ll also get to face his old team twice a year. The downside is that Jones will be 30 in December, and there are some durability concerns. He’ll also be joining an offense that could have Sam Darnold as its top quarterback.
As it stands, Jones will be seen as a low-end No. 2 fantasy runner or (more likely) a flex in drafts. While he did show he can still be highly productive at the end of last season, age and injuries are a concern for Jones entering his eighth season.
