Minnesota Vikings to reportedly part ways with Aaron Jones

March 2, 2026 - 04:07

The Minnesota Vikings are moving on from running back Aaron Jones after a single season with the team, according to league reports. The decision to release the veteran playmaker will become official at the start of the new league year on Wednesday.

Jones, a former Pro Bowl selection, joined the Vikings last offseason following a long and productive tenure with the division-rival Green Bay Packers. His acquisition was seen as a key addition to bolster the Minnesota backfield. While he showed flashes of his trademark explosiveness, his season was ultimately hampered by injuries, limiting his overall impact on the field.

This move will provide the Vikings with significant salary cap relief as they reshape their roster under Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The team is now expected to turn its focus to a younger group of running backs currently on the roster, likely making the position a priority in the upcoming NFL Draft.

For Jones, the release opens the door to free agency, where he will seek a fresh start with another team. Despite the injury-shortened 2024 campaign, his proven track record as a dynamic runner and receiver out of the backfield is expected to generate interest from clubs looking for backfield experience.