Packers Could Drag Vikings into Trade Buzz
The Minnesota Vikings haven’t been as active as they have in recent years in the trade market. Outside of shipping Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia, it’s been quiet on the trade front.
One guy could appear in trade rumors sooner rather than later and that’s running back Aaron Jones. Not because the Vikings don’t need him, but because his former employer might. Josh Jacobs was part of some ugly headlines this week and the green rivals might need a new RB1. Because players, coaches, and organizations often reunite in the NFL, Jones could be in play in Green Bay, especially since he’s still loved there.
Let’s start with the Jacobs situation.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky summarized the entire case. He wrote on Wednesday, “Jacobs, 28, was booked Tuesday by the Hobart-Lawrence (Wisconsin) Police Department on charges of battery (domestic abuse, criminal damage to property), domestic abuse, disorderly conduct (domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation), and intimidation of a victim. According to Brown County Jail records, the strangulation and suffocation charge is a felony, and the other four charges are misdemeanors.”
Jacobs, once a first-round pick of the Raiders, has been with the Packers since the 2024 offseason, when they swapped Jones for him.
Investigations are ongoing. Jacobs, through his lawyers, denied the allegations. Neither the Packers nor the NFL offered a particularly interesting statement beyond the usual “we’re monitoring the situation.”
It remains to be seen whether Jacobs is ultimately charged and if the NFL is taking action. The league can suspend players during ongoing investigations.
If Jacobs’ immediate playing future is in jeopardy, the Packers will have to add another runner. Their depth chart behind him features 2024 third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd, who has played in one career game, and blocking specialist Chris Brooks. Last year’s backup, Emmanuel Wilson, signed with the Seahawks in March.
Old friend Jones is still a fan-favorite in Green Bay. The Vikings would likely hesitate, given that the Packers are their rivals, but every player has a price. Furthermore, it would require rookie Demond Claiborne to look like an immediate contributor, as they can’t afford to enter the season with only Jordan Mason as an established NFL back.
Still, they were ready to release Jones in March and reworked his deal to continue the work relationship for a third season. In all likelihood, the Vikings thought they could land one of the top free agents, but were outpriced and approached Jones.
He can still play, though age and a string of minor injuries over the last few years are real concerns. The lowest yards-per-carry total of his career shows he has certainly lost a step. Still, Jones ranked in the middle of the pack in EPA/rush (23rd/49 eligible RBs), success rate (16th/49), and TFL percentage (19th/49).
On a counting-statistics level, Jones registered 747 yards from scrimmage and he crossed the goal line three times in 2025. In his first year in purple, Jones tabulated over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.
While he’s well past his prime, Jones still offers value as one of the best blocking backs and his pass-catching hands are among the best in the business as well. In the running game, he still had some juice last year and remains a nice complement next to the bigger Mason.
Most Packers analysts expect the team to address the depth of the running back position by adding a player or two. The Cardinals are worth a call after drafting Jeremyiah Love last month and still employing James Conner, Trey Benson and free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier.
It wouldn’t be surprising, however, if Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst picked up the phone to recruit their old pal Jones.
Jones is 31 years old and is in the final year of his contract.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.