A day after the Green Bay Packers opted to get younger at running back by signing Josh Jacobs and releasing Aaron Jones, the latter chose to stay in the NFC North on a one-year, $7 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Staying in the NFC North: Sources tell me and @TomPelissero that former #Packers RB Aaron Jones is expected to sign with the #Vikings, just a day after being released in Green Bay. This sets up two revenge games next year.
He gets a 1-year, $7M deal. pic.twitter.com/ZhhfL633Vw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Jones appears to have favored the revenge factor and healthy paycheck over a chance at winning a Super Bowl, since the quarterback-less Vikings face a potentially dire situation at the most important position in the game. Unless a rookie steps in and “C.J. Strouds” his way out of the gates, Minnesota appears to be playing for pride in 2024. Nevertheless, Jones will be heavily utilized as the primary back in a system that has proven to generate results from the position, on the turf and through the air.
Fantasy football outlook
Jones’ versatility will help offset a likely lack of touchdowns. While age (turns 30 in December) may be working against him, and the injury bug reared its ugly head last season (11 games played), he looked rather spry down the stretch. Expect a rookie to give him the occasional breather, though it’s likely to come from a midround selection than an early investment.
Unless there’s a significant injury issue or the quarterback play is even worse than anyone can imagine, the Vikings will lean on the veteran enough to present low-end No. 2 worth in fantasy leagues. Jones may get overvalued a tad based on name recognition, but most competitive formats probably will draft him on the border of being an RB2 and third back.
