The Minnesota Vikings and running back Aaron Jones have agreed to a revised contract that will keep the veteran in Minnesota for the 2026 season.
Jones accepted a pay cut that lowers his base salary from $9 million to $5.5 million, according to reports Wednesday, allowing the Vikings to maintain flexibility under the salary cap while retaining one of their most experienced offensive players.
The move comes as Minnesota reshaped its roster at the start of the new league year. The team released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave as cap casualties. The Vikings also processed veteran safety Harrison Smith as a post–June 1 release in what was described as a procedural move, leaving open the possibility that the six-time Pro Bowler could return if he decides to play a 15th NFL season.
Jones, 31, appeared to be another potential departure before the sides reached a compromise to extend their partnership for a third season.
Since joining Minnesota from the rival Green Bay Packers in 2024, Jones has totaled 1,686 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns while adding 607 receiving yards and three scores through the air. Much of that production came in his first year with the Vikings, when he recorded the fourth 1,000-yard rushing season of his career.
Injuries limited Jones to 12 games last season, and he finished with 548 rushing yards, his lowest total since his rookie year in 2017.
With the Vikings among the teams projected to be over the salary cap entering the new league year, Jones’ future with the team had been uncertain. The reworked deal allows Minnesota to keep the veteran while easing its financial situation.
The Vikings are expected to move forward with Jones sharing the backfield with Jordan Mason, while still leaving the door open to add depth or potentially select a long-term lead back in April’s draft.
