Vikings Ruined Someone’s Offseason Dreams
Vikings running back Aaron Jones was an obvious cut candidate entering this year’s offseason, but the franchise and the player agreed on a revised deal to keep him around for a third season. Quite possibly, that ruined another organization’s plans.
It turns out, the Washington Commanders were interested in his services not too long ago.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed in his pre-draft nuggets, “Even if Love does not wind up going No. 3, he will not slide far. The Commanders at No. 7 would seem to be his floor. Last spring, the Commanders planned to pursue Aaron Jones Sr. before he returned to the Vikings.”
Jones’ exit was a foregone conclusion at one point, and even reports about his release surfaced. Too tasty, it seemed, was the $7.75 million in cap space the club could have saved by releasing the ball-carrier.
Ultimately, Jones took a pay cut and avoided a move. The difference between a pay cut and potential savings ended up too insignificant for a divorce to make sense for Minnesota. Finding a replacement would’ve cost more and perhaps still be a downgrade.
Schefter added about Washington’s possible draft plans: “This offseason, Washington added Rachaad White and Jerome Ford to join Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but the team still does not have much money invested in the position. If the opportunity presents itself, some expect the Commanders would rush to turn in the card for Love, giving Washington a great offensive tandem with him and Jayden Daniels.”
Jeremiyah Love, the crown jewel of this year’s running back class, might be off the board before the Commanders are on the clock, but if he’s there, the prospects of pairing the dynamic runner with quarterback Jayden Daniels are intriguing.
The Vikings were considered a potential destination for Love throughout the 2025 season, but the strong finish with a five-game winning streak ended that speculation.
Instead, it’ll continue to be a timeshare between last year’s trade acquisition, Jordan Mason, and 2024 free-agent addition Jones. The reality that both enter the season with free agency looming next March could put running back on this year’s draft menu.
In addition to the short-term contract, his age rules out any long-term plans. At 31, a significant decline could happen at any point, especially for a player who has dealt with injuries for years. A hamstring injury cost him five games last year.
Still, he was solid in 2025, ranking in the middle of the pack in EPA/rush (23rd/49 eligible RBs), success rate (16th/49), and TFL percentage (19th/49). The counting numbers showed 548 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with a receiving output of 199 yards and one score.
Jones is one of the premier third-down backs in the league, as he brings a rare combination of sure hands and blocking talent to the table. Most receiving backs are smaller and lack the oomph in pass protection.
He’s also a key component in the leadership structure. When the club and the runner agreed on a new deal, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero noted, “The Vikings never wanted to let go of Aaron Jones, who is a strong locker room presence and still effective when healthy at age 31. The sides worked towards a new deal and found common ground to keep in purple for another season.”
The pairing between Mason and Jones is a good fit on paper, as Jones is the more shifty technician, while Mason brings the size and power to run over defenders. Adding a rookie in the draft could complete the running back room for the upcoming season. Depth rusher Zavier Scott remains from last year, while 2022 draftee Ty Chandler was not retained in free agency.
Jones will wear the purple colors in the 2026 season and it’s good to know that at least one other team was interested in his services. The veteran is just one year removed from a season with over 1,500 scrimmage yards.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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