First Viking Included in NFL’s Top 100
The NFL’s top 100 list is always a big deal for fans in the summer. Although it’s a completely meaningless list, it’s annually garnering a ton of attention due to the sweet videos the NFL Network is adding, which consist of player commentary and highlights.
Aaron Jones Is the First Viking
Justin Jefferson will for sure land highly on the list, likely even in the top ten. Guys like Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel might have made enough noise last season to deserve a mention, although they still feel underrated, and it usually takes a few years of decent play to earn the respect of the foes around the league.
One guy who has played for the better part of a decade at a high level is Aaron Jones, Minnesota’s top running back. He clocked in at 98.
Jones was signed last offseason to replace Alexander Mattison and to revive the running game. There’s undoubtedly more work to be done, but he was notably more dynamic out of the backfield than his predecessor.
In his first campaign on the correct side of the state border, Jones rushed for a career-best 1,138 yards, scoring five rushing touchdowns along the way. As always, he was a weapon in the passing game as well, adding another 408 yards and two scores as a pass-catcher.
Despite turning 30 towards the end of the season, Jones hasn’t lost a step and is still one of the better running backs in the game, especially because he is a complete back who can run, catch, and block.
Jones initially signed a one-year deal worth $7 million. Prior to that, the Green Bay Packers said “goodbye” to their long-time running back, turning to Josh Jacobs after an injury-riddled 2023 season. In Minnesota, Jones played in all 18 games. It’s worth mentioning, though, that he left a couple of games banged up, and his status for the following games was in question on several occasions.
Due to the frequency of his injuries and his age (he will turn 31 in December), the Vikings must ensure that he remains fresh throughout games and the entire season. To ensure that, the club has made the move to trade for Jordan Mason, the ex-49ers runner.
Mason was excellent in his breakout season, in which he replaced Christian McCaffrey for about half the campaign. In the first seven games of the year, Mason collected 107 yards from scrimmage per game, winning the hearts of fantasy football players and seemingly also that of Minnesota’s decision-makers. His presence allows the Vikings to give Jones more breaks than last year.
About Jones playing in a tandem rather than the one-man show from a year ago, head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed in April: “When he has historically had that 1a, 1b backfield structure, he could be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball. So it was always about bringing Aaron back — huge leadership role on our team; really assumed that from Day 1 — but [who] are we going to pair him with?”
He then added, “We really felt what we were looking for was right before our very eyes. You know, a heavy slash runner, tough to tackle, gets in space and has burst and explosion to finish runs. And also a guy that probably doesn’t get enough credit in his pass protection and just every-down versatility.”
Veteran Jones was bound to enter free agency in March, but the Vikings made sure to keep him around by handing him a brand-new two-year deal for $20 million with $13 million guaranteed.
It’ll be fun to watch the running back duo get to work in September. They will benefit from an improved offensive line, and the move from Sam Darnold to J.J. McCarthy could lead to a higher run percentage than in previous seasons.
Jones, 30, ranked 64th two years ago.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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