The Vikings are bringing back a key piece of their offense.
Minnesota is re-signing running back Aaron Jones on a two-year, $20 million contract with $13 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
It keeps another weapon in place for whoever is under center next season after the Vikings refused to put the franchise tag on Sam Darnold and with former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers emerging as a “dark horse” option in free agency.
The 30-year-old Jones, someone Rodgers would know well from their time together in Green Bay, is coming off a breakout season during his first year with the Vikings, who he signed a one-year, $7 million contract with last offseason.
He played every game and recorded career highs in rushing yards (1,138), touches (306), carries (255) and offensive snaps (700).
His 1,546 yards from scrimmage were the second most of his career.
After seven seasons in Green Bay, Jones helped Minnesota to a 14-3 record, one game behind the NFC North-winning Lions, before losing to the Rams, 27-9, in the wild-card round.
Jones, whose deal is an affordable one for Minnesota, is a major weapon for a Vikings offense that features receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, which should make them an attractive destination for any free agent quarterback.
