Aaron Jones Sr.

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		126	7,626	52	4.9
2025		12	548	2	4.2
2024		17	1,138	5	4.5
2023		11

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Aaron Jones landing in Minnesota on this contract structure represents an absolute steal for the Vikings, earning a rare A+ CVI that reflects exceptional value acquisition. The veteran running back, despite being classified as a rotational player in terms of raw production metrics, brings proven NFL experience and versatility at just $0.8M per year — a figure that's essentially replacement-level money for a player who has demonstrated starter-caliber ability throughout his Green Bay tenure. At 29, Jones may have lost a step from his peak years, but the $11.5M guaranteed suggests the Vikings see him as more than just depth, likely planning to deploy him in a complementary role alongside their existing backfield while maintaining significant financial flexibility. The contract structure is virtually risk-free for Minnesota, as they're getting a reliable veteran presence who can contribute in multiple phases without any meaningful salary cap burden. This deal exemplifies smart roster construction — acquiring a proven commodity at below-market rates while maintaining upside if Jones can recapture some of his earlier form in a new system.

Performance Analysis

Aaron Jones Sr. is a 9-year veteran entering the twilight of a productive NFL career, now serving as a complementary back for the Minnesota Vikings at age 31. His current-season grade of D reflects a steep decline from stronger years, with his trajectory dropping from a C in 2024 to a D- in 2025 — a troubling arc for a player once considered a reliable starter. Jones still carries name recognition and situational value, but he no longer profiles as a featured back capable of carrying an offense. On the ground, his 4.15 yards per carry nearly matches the NFL average of 4.10, suggesting he hasn't completely lost his effectiveness between the tackles. The deeper concern is volume production — his 45.7 rushing yards per game falls well below the league average of 55.0 and nowhere near the elite threshold of 85.0. His touchdown production is equally worrying at 0.17 rushing scores per game, less than half the NFL average of 0.35, indicating he's not being trusted in high-leverage situations. At 31 with nine seasons of NFL wear, Jones is unlikely to recapture the efficiency that made him a fantasy staple and a legitimate starter in Green Bay. His ceiling going forward is a rotational role — a third-down contributor or short-yardage option — rather than a workhorse. The Vikings will need to monitor his snap share closely; if scoring opportunities continue to dry up, his roster viability beyond 2025 becomes a serious question.

Current Sentiment

Aaron Jones Sr. enters the 2026 season as a respected veteran presence in the Minnesota Vikings' backfield, having secured a new deal that signals the organization still values his experience and leadership. His activation from IR during the 2025 season demonstrated that he remains a functional contributor when healthy, though his role is clearly defined as complementary rather than featured. Community and media appearances alongside figures like Vince Wilfork reinforce his standing as a locker-room asset and ambassador for the franchise, adding intangible value beyond the stat sheet. Coverage surrounding his 'familiar role' heading into 2026 suggests the media views him as a reliable depth piece rather than a dynamic playmaker, which tempers excitement but avoids any negative narrative. Overall, Jones Sr. carries a quietly positive reputation — a seasoned professional who knows his role, earns his roster spot, and contributes meaningfully to team culture without generating significant controversy or star-level buzz.