Aaron Jones’ Future in the NFL: Where Will He Land?
As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, fans of the Minnesota Vikings are left wondering about the future of star running back Aaron Jones. With uncertainty surrounding his current team and other potential suitors, the question of where Jones will end up becomes all the more intriguing. Could he remain with the Vikings, or is there another team ready to give him a fresh start? Let’s break down the top three landing spots for Aaron Jones this upcoming season.
The Vikings: A Possible Return for Jones?
Despite the dramatic finale to their 2024 season, where high hopes turned to disappointment in the final two games, the Vikings are still a team with a promising future. Projected to have the seventh-most cap space according to Spotrac, they have the financial flexibility to keep a proven star like Aaron Jones. With a strong team foundation, Minnesota may look to maintain continuity and avoid making drastic changes to a squad that finished 14-3 in the regular season.
Jones’ leadership and team-first attitude, as shown in his support for quarterback Sam Darnold during the season, speaks to his value in the locker room. His confidence in Darnold, and the way he’s been a calming and motivating presence for the team, makes him a player the Vikings might want to retain. Jones’ ability to stay positive and be a mentor for younger players strengthens his case for staying in Minnesota.
The Steelers: A Strategic Addition for 2025
A prime candidate for Aaron Jones’ services could be the Pittsburgh Steelers. With free-agent uncertainty looming over running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, the Steelers’ backfield is looking for stability. If Pittsburgh intends to compete deep into the playoffs in 2025, adding a reliable, every-down back like Jones would make perfect sense.
Pro Football Focus has named the Steelers an ideal destination for Jones, suggesting that he could play a major role in their offense. Coach Mike Tomlin’s philosophy of striving for postseason success aligns perfectly with the addition of a proven and durable back. Jones would fit well into their dynamic, complementing the strong Steelers defense with a reliable offense.
The Raiders: A Fresh Start in Las Vegas?
Another team that could make a significant move for Jones is the Las Vegas Raiders. With new leadership and a focus on turning their fortunes around quickly, the Raiders could be a good fit for the seasoned running back. Under new head coach Pete Carroll, who has a long history of favoring durable running backs, Jones could see himself thriving in a scheme built around his skill set.
The Raiders’ struggles with their running game in 2024 were glaring—they ranked dead last in rushing yards per game, with no player even reaching 500 rushing yards for the entire season. This weakness leaves a glaring hole for the Raiders, and adding a dynamic player like Aaron Jones could quickly improve their offensive attack. If the Raiders are serious about competing in 2025, securing Jones as their lead running back could be a game-changer for their offense.
Conclusion: Where Will Jones End Up?
Aaron Jones is coming off another productive season, rushing for 1,138 yards and contributing 408 receiving yards. However, the 30-year-old’s future in the NFL is uncertain, with his “touch miles” becoming a topic of discussion as he enters his 30s. Whether the Vikings decide to re-sign him, the Steelers look to add him to their playoff-contending roster, or the Raiders make a move to fix their running game, the next chapter in Jones’ career promises to be exciting.
As teams start to assess their needs for the 2025 season, Jones remains one of the most sought-after free agents in the running back market. The question remains: Which team will get the best years of his career, and who will benefit the most from his leadership and playmaking ability? Only time will tell.
