Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hit on a number of short-term free agent signings this past offseason, with quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Aaron Jones, cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin, and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery producing strong returns on team-friendly, one-year deals.
That’s the good news for 2024. The bad for this coming offseason is that the Vikings will have a number of tough decisions to make among their own impending free agents, including as many as eight starters.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report sees plenty of competition for those players looming come March. In his recent AFC scouting reports for Week 15, Ballentine predicted the Denver Broncos will poach Jones from Minnesota in an effort to bolster their chances at competing for a Super Bowl.
Here was Ballentine’s take on Jones potentially becoming a Bronco in 2025:
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s looking less likely that Javonte Williams will reach the potential that he showed as a rookie. The injuries have sapped some of his explosiveness, and he’s averaged 3.6 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons. Free agency isn’t typically the best way to address the running back position. It’s a young man’s game, and that’s going to hurt Aaron Jones’ market as a 30-year-old back. However, signing him to be part of a committee next season would be a smart idea.”
The Vikings signed Jones to a one-year contract worth $7 million for this season. The deal included a $4 million signing bonus, but Jones will earn that money in prorated $800,000 annual payments regardless of where he plays in 2025 and beyond. Those four “void years” in Jones’ contract make him a likely candidate for a contract extension, especially after a strong debut season in Minnesota.
The Broncos could definitely use an alpha in their current committee, as their group of Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime has delivered inconsistent returns in 2024. The Broncos are 20th in the NFL in rushing entering Week 15, and Williams is the team’s leading rusher with just 446 yards in 13 games.
Jones just might be out of Denver’s reach this March. Minnesota will likely make retaining him a priority, as he’s helped balance and transform one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses. The Vikings also have a significant future need at the position, with Jones on an expiring contract and no starting caliber talent currently developing behind him.
Even on the wrong side of 30, Jones would have multiple suitors if allowed to test the open market. His most likely destination at this point in the process, though, remains Minnesota.
Kirk Cousins sounds off on Sam Darnold, loss to Vikings in return to Minnesota
Insider: Vikings should plan for future, land 6-foot-3 lockdown corner in 2025 NFL Draft
Analyst drops bold take on Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy’s future as Vikings starter
Vikings should pay Sam Darnold, follow Packers model at QB with J.J. McCarthy
