NFC North News: Vikings to sign RB Aaron Jones

The Chicago Bears’ NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings are signing free-agent running back Aaron Jones to a one-year contract worth up to $7 million according to widespread national reports. Jones is staying in the NFC South after the Green Bay Packers released him on Monday afternoon. The Packers cut ties with Jones after shockingly signing Josh Jacobs.

Grab your purple sombreros, RB Aaron Jones is expected to join the Minnesota Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/9HBW6CBlUt

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2024

Jones was slated to enter the final season of his contract with the Packers before being released. Injury limited Jones to 11 regular-season appearances last season. He rushed for just 656 yards, his lowest single-season output since his rookie campaign (448 yards in 2017). The Vikings are hoping for a bounce-back campaign from Jones. It’s worth noting Jones still averaged an effective 4.6 yards per carry. A dual-threat back, Jones added 233 receiving yards to his offensive totals, and his 7.8 yards gained per catch was a personal-high mark in that category since 2019.

The Vikings underwent significant changes to their offense on Monday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins decided to sign with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Minnesota replaced Cousins by signing a veteran bridge quarterback in Sam Darnold. The Bears will be pleased to see the Vikings downgrade at quarterback.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell will have to rely on a more effective run game as he prepares to navigate the fallout of Cousins’ departure. The Vikings averaged a 29th-ranked 91.4 rushing yards per contest throughout 2023. Jones will attempt to improve that number. The Bears are used to playing against Jones twice annually. Nothing changes with Jones swapping the Packers for the Vikings.