Last offseason, the Green Bay Packers made the understandable (yet unfortunate) decision to part ways with running back Aaron Jones, the third all-time leading rusher in their long illustrious history. The release of Jones was announced hours after the Packers revealed that they had signed Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year contract. For a few wonderful hours, Green Bay fans envisioned Jacobs and Jones forming the best running back tandem in the NFL.
Alas, it was not to be. Instead, Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
As it turned out, though, the divorce was what was best for both parties. Jacobs made the Pro Bowl after a stellar first season with the Packers that saw him rush 301 times for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jones, meanwhile, had 255 rushes for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns for the Vikings.
Former Green Bay Packers Running Back Aaron Jones Is a Free Agent
As Packers fans are well aware, Minnesota went 14-3 last season, which included going 2-0 against Green Bay. But as good as the Vikings were, especially on offense, they may look very different in 2025.
Sam Darnold, who ended up starting at quarterback, is not expected to return after his breakout season made him one of the most sought-after names on the free agent market. While JJ McCarthy is certainly still an option for them at quarterback, he is coming off of a torn ACL and has yet to appear in an NFL game.
Needless to say, one way or another, there will be a different starting quarterback in Minnesota in 2025.
And the change under center may not be the only one the Vikings make. Jones played in all 17 games last season after being limited to 11 in his final year with Green Bay. However, he is entering his age-31 season and, despite his strong numbers, does not have the burst that he used to.
While he has stated his desire to return to Minnesota in 2025, it is not certain that the Vikings feel the same way.
Former Green Bay Packers Running Back Aaron Jones Is Predicted to Sign with the Dallas Cowboys
Fortunately for Jones, there is no shortage of NFL teams that need a running back, especially one that recently rushed for over 1,100 yards. One of these is the Dallas Cowboys, whom Ian Valentino of the 33rd Team has pegged to land the former Packers running back in free agency:
“Signing a 30-year-old running back who was barely more productive than your in-house talent who turns 27 this summer isn’t usually good business, but the Dallas Cowboys aren’t flush with cap space. Considering their long list of needs and limited assets to find help on both sides of the ball, taking calculated risks is part of the equation. Aaron Jones can be part of the answer in the backfield.
“It’s not a secret Dallas lacks playmaking at running back. Rico Dowdle emerged as a viable option when blocking is good, but he’s not especially explosive or well-rounded. Keeping him would be fine if the price is right, but Dallas can easily be outbid.
“Instead, Jones offers value as a reliable platoon player who can pair with a more explosive rookie. While Jones’ explosiveness has undoubtedly dipped, creating only 2.97 yards after contact per rush in 2024, dipping below 3.15 for the first time since 2019, he’s still consistently averaging 4.5 yards per carry and adding value as a receiver.
“A short deal with limited upside would fit into Dallas’ situation and allow them to still pursue their next star back in the draft.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones does not want to spend big in free agency, and Jones offers him an inexpensive yet productive option at the running back position.
It would not be surprising to see the former Packers star, who is a Texas native, play closer to home in 2025.
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