Vikings to Limit Aaron Jones' Playing Time if He Returns

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The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear that they plan to reduce Aaron Jones’ playing time if he returns for the 2025 season. Jones, who joined the Vikings in 2024 after spending seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, had a standout year.

He set career highs in touches, carries, and offensive snaps, finishing the season with 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Despite battling injuries, Jones played in all 18 games, proving his resilience and significant role in the offense.

However, the Vikings are not looking to repeat the heavy workload Jones had last season. Head coach Kevin O'Connell praised Jones for his impact on the team but mentioned the need for a more balanced approach in the backfield. O'Connell noted that adding a younger player through the draft or free agency would be ideal to complement Jones and help share the workload.

In 2024, Jones played a much larger role than initially planned. He started the season sharing the backfield with Ty Chandler, but after the team lost confidence in Chandler, Jones took on a more prominent role. By the end of the season, Jones was playing 63% of the offensive snaps and handling 67% of the team’s running back carries. This shift led to a significant increase in his playing time and usage.

As Jones approaches free agency at age 30, the Vikings face a decision on whether to bring him back for a reduced role or look for a new option. The upcoming free agent class includes running backs like Najee Harris, J.K. Dobbins, and Cam Akers, who could also draw interest from other teams.

With limited draft picks this year, the Vikings are unlikely to focus on drafting a running back. Instead, they will likely prioritize improving other areas of their roster while seeking a more balanced approach to their backfield in 2025. Jones, if he returns, will likely see less work compared to last season.