While quarterback JJ McCarthy has been in several rumors, the Minnesota Vikings are likely to cut running back Aaron Jones if they can’t find a trade partner before free agency next week. It’s been reported that the Vikings are planning to release Jones, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, as part of a massive overhaul to save cap space. The moves will free the team almost $19 million overall, but Jones has a chance to garner some market once he’s available to sign elsewhere.
Nobody should anticipate Jones finding a team that trades for him; teams will wait once he’s a free agent. Originally selected in the fifth-round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Pro Bowler began his career with the Green Bay Packers as the lead back. Unfortunately, he lost his starting job to former teammate Josh Jacobs after declining a paycut. He would join the Vikings during the 2024 campaign and put on a monster season, recording 255 carries for 1,138 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go with 51 receptions for 408 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
However, he wasn’t able to follow last season. Jones entered the 2025 regular season on injured reserve and has slowed down the Vikings’ run game. While he still ran for over 500 rushing yards, Jones isn’t going to fetch the best contract in his next destination. There are still teams that need an adequate running back in this league, and these three teams could entertain the idea of signing him to a one-year contract.
Packers Pro Bowler Aaron Jones Facing Cut; 3 Possible Suitors Emerge
Potential Destinations
Detroit Lions
After the Lions traded running back David Montgomery, the team could be in the market for a backup. While the Lions are focused on extending star Jahmyr Gibbs to a monster deal, they have Sione Vaki, who hasn’t established enough to turn into an adequate backup. Detroit got an offensive lineman as well in return while shipping Montgomery, so nobody should put it past the team if they sign a low-stakes running back like Jones.
Jones isn’t going to start for this Lions offense, which has aspirations to get back in the postseason once again, but he’d be a key downhill runner to keep Gibbs fresh. The veteran isn’t in a position to lead the backfield anymore. So why not join another rival as he did with the Vikings before and lead this team to a possible Super Bowl in the future?
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys’ future looks bright. Cowboys Owner and GM Jerry Jones is a different man this offseason and plans to be aggressive in free agency. Unfortunately, it will consist mainly of improving its defense. However, the Cowboys could make a few cost-effective moves for the offense, including signing Jones. After signing Javonte Williams to a new three-year deal, the team have a need at the backup position.
Veteran Miles Sanders is gone, and second-year Jaydon Blue is still developing. The Cowboys could sign Jones while hoping he doesn’t turn out to be Sanders 2.0, but he’s coming off a campaign two seasons ago where he could be explosive, so anything’s possible.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs plan to overhaul their backfield. With Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco set for free agency, many should expect the team to sign a veteran running back at least on a one-year contract. The Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract while planning to release offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor. The team is making tough decisions to free up some cap space, so it shouldn’t be surprising to see Jones in a Chiefs uniform and help establish Brashard Smith as one of the most effective ball-carriers.