Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith received a fine following the win over the New York Giants in Week 16, but he was not alone. The NFL also delivered additional punishment over a play involving Vikings running back Aaron Jones.
Jones has battled injuries this season, just like many of his Vikings teammates, in a campaign gone awry.
He was on the right side of the NFL’s decision during the play in question.
Giants CB Andru Phillips Fined Over Aaron Jones Incident During Vikings Game
GettyAaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the New York Giants.
According to the NFL’s Gameday Accountability hub, Giants cornerback Andru Phillips received a $7,293 fine for “unnecessary roughness” over “pulling player off pile,” when he attempted to take the ball from Jones’ grasp after officials had ruled the play was over.
Per Rule 12, Article 8, Item (h) of the NFL rulebook, “pulling an opponent off a pile of players in an aggressive or forcible manner” is grounds for the flag and a 15-yard penalty.
The drive ended with a Will Reichard field goal in an eventual 16-13 Vikings win.
Phillips got off lightly in comparison to some past instances of the NFL taking disciplinary action over players pulling their peers off of piles. Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto received a $11,593 fine for it after Week 13 against the Washington Commanders.
The NFL also doled out a fine worth $12,154 to former New England Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe in 2017 against the Houston Texans.
Most importantly, Jones emerged unscathed and undocked, and the Vikings won.
Smith’s fine was more costly, coming in light of a hit on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and amid the NFL’s persistent push to protect quarterbacks. Still, Jones and the Vikings did see some justice served on a play that had the veteran running back incensed when it happened.
Aaron Jones’ Future Among Pressing Questions for Minnesota
GettyAaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Jones is in his second season with the Vikings after initially signing in free agency during the 2024 offseason. He is under contract through 2026 on a two-year, $20 million contract.
However, he has battled multiple injuries this season, missing four full games and parts of several others due to various ailments. That would seem to leave Jones’ future with the Vikings in question ahead of what could be an offseason full of teardowns in key spots.
Jones, who has earned $49.5 million in his career, has a $14 million cap hit for 2026.
Over The Cap projects the Vikings will be $35.9 million over the limit once the 2026 NFL calendar begins, barring any potential moves to reduce their deficit.
The Vikings already have a potential replacement in Jordan Mason, who is also under contract beyond this season after inking a two-year, $10.5 million extension following his trade from the San Francisco 49ers last spring.
Mason has also missed time this season, specifically Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.
Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2020, and he had a career year with the Vikings last season. He is also on the wrong side of 30 at a position often found in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
NFL Steps In With Disciplinary Action Over Vikings RB Aaron Jones