May 12, 2025

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones could see a pretty big drop off in his touches in 2025 as compared to his 2024 season. There are two major reasons for this. The first is that Jones was terrible in short-yardage situations as a rusher, especially with shorter fields. His statistics on carries inside the 20-yard-line, and inside the 10 and especially the 5, were absolutely damning. Inside the 10-yard-line, Jones rushed 24 times for just eight total yards, at an average of just a third of a yard per carry. Inside the 5, it was even worse -- he lost two yards on 13 rushes. Jones ineffectiveness in these areas clears the way for newly-signed RB Jordan Mason to immediately take the short-yardage and goal-line work for himself, given that he was much better in these areas. Mason is also a better fit for the zone-run scheme Minnesota's head coach, Kevin O'Connell, runs. Jones is a better pass-catcher than Mason, so him being on the field on passing downs is still likely, but his upside will be capped by the reduction in volume, and he should have trouble getting scores. He's still being valued close to where he was last season. It's not a good idea to take him. His injury history has catalyzed a transition of this backfield to a committee, too, as he struggles to stay healthy each season, and he'll turn 31 late in the 2025 season.--John Johnson - RotoBaller