Aaron Jones: Everything you need to know

Jones (hip) agreed to terms on a restructured contract Wednesday that will allow him to remain with the Vikings for the 2026 season, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Jones is lowering his base salary for the 2026 season to $5.5 million, a figure that makes it more realistic for Minnesota to retain the 31-year-old veteran for the 2026 campaign, rather than release him in a cap-saving maneuver. Last year Jones was limited to just 12 regular-season appearances due to a combination of injuries, missing Week 18 due to a hip issue, but there have been no reports that the veteran running back will be limited at all during spring activities. Jones logged 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns while adding 28 catches (on 41 targets) for 199 yards and another score in 2025 and currently stands alongside Jordan Mason atop the Vikings' backfield, though the team could still make further additions to that unit in free agency and/or April's draft.

The Vikings have informed Jones (hip) that he will be released at the start of the new league year March 11 barring a trade, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Jones was scheduled for a $9 million base salary in 2026, $2 million of which was going to kick in on the third day of the new league year. Per Schefter, the move will ultimately save the Vikings $7.75 million against the salary cap. Jones was limited to 12 regular-season games due to a slew of injuries, finishing with 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns while adding 28 catches (on 41 targets) for 199 yards and a score. With Jones set to be cut, Jordan Mason currently sits atop the Vikings' RB depth chart heading into the new league year. Jones will turn 32 in December, but he should garner interest from teams looking to add a versatile veteran to the backfield.

Jones (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Jones dealt with a slew of injuries this season and ultimately played just 12 games, finishing with a career-low 4.2 YPC while posting his lowest marks since his rookie year for rushing yards (548) and receiving yards (199). He was still reasonably effective when poor QB play didn't crater Minnesota's entire offense, so he could be back next year for the final season of a two-year extension. Jones turned 31 in December and is scheduled for a $9 million base salary in 2026, with $2 million already guaranteed and another $2 million kicking in on the third day of the new league year. In other words, the Vikings likely will trade/release Jones before mid-March if they don't plan to keep him around for the 2026 season.