Aaron Jones as Only RB1 Solution Would Be Vikings Playing with Fire
The Minnesota Vikings needed to fix their running back situation after Alexander Mattison was a colossal starter flop. Kevin O’Connell had the corpse of Dalvin Cook and has never really had a great answer. Aaron Jones put up a career-best season in his first with the Minnesota Vikings, but it’s time to leave that in the rearview mirror.
Aaron Jones as Only RB1 Solution Would Be Vikings Playing with Fire
Last offseason, the Vikings were able to sign Jones because he didn’t love the paycut that the Green Bay Packers asked him to take. He wore it on the chin and joined a former rival while producing on a weekly basis. Despite health concerns throughout his career, he was active for all 17 games and truly became an asset.
They’d be sorely mistaken if the Vikings think they can run that back. Jones’ injury history didn’t just go away, and he’s now on the wrong side of 30. He may be interested in returning to a team with which he found significant individual success, but Minnesota should say no.
Of course, Kevin O’Connell needs something at the running back position. They also need to help that player with improved play in the trenches. It was comical watching Jones get stuffed near the goal line simply because the interior line could not generate any push. That isn’t going to fix itself simply by changing out the runner.
With the NFL Draft being beyond flush with running back prospects this season, Minnesota should be looking to use a mid-round pick on someone. They aren’t going to land Ashton Jeanty, but plenty of other talented options could be had instead.
It also doesn’t mean the Vikings should ignore the free-agent market. While they don’t need to pay Jones, someone like Najee Harris could make a good deal of sense. If Minnesota is serious about putting together an offense rich with weapons, they’ll need to address a spot that often leaves more to be desired in O’Connell’s scheme.
No matter how they go about it, the reality is that playing with fire a second time doesn’t make sense regarding Jones. He was healthy the first time around. He was productive the first time around. Let someone else make that bet to see if it will happen next season.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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