Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Aaron Jones did a lot of good things in 2024. He led the Vikings with 1,546 scrimmage yards, averaged 5.1 yards per touch, and had a strong veteran presence in the locker room. But he turned 30 in December, an age where running backs usually begin to decline. During the year, he also missed chunks of games with injuries to his ribs and leg. It isn’t abnormal for a running back to have aches and pains, but availability has always been an issue for Jones, and his age won’t help that in 2025. Even if the Vikings bring him back in 2025, they will need a younger option with more explosion. The Chargers’ J.K. Dobbins or Broncos’ Davonte Williams could be targeted in free agency. If the Vikings fix their other holes in free agency and don’t sign a running back, they could be a dark horse to draft Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the draft.