Running back Aaron Jones is re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday.
Jones signed a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Vikings last spring after turning down a pay cut from the Green Bay Packers. That made Jones the latest in a long line of Packers castoffs to join their divisional rival, a group that also includes quarterback Brett Favre, receiver Greg Jennings and placekicker Ryan Longwell.
Knowing Jones had endured a series of injuries in recent years and was approaching his 30th birthday, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell initially planned to use him in a committee system. But Jones quickly ascended to a feature back role and went on to have one of the most active and productive seasons of his career.
He set career highs in touches (306), carries (255) and offensive snaps (700) while playing in every game of the regular season and postseason. Although he nursed hip, rib and quadriceps injuries, he recorded his highest total of rushing yards (1,138) and second-highest number of yards from scrimmage (1,546) in his career. His 700 offensive snaps were also the most in his career.
A fifth-round pick in 2017, Jones spent the first seven seasons of his career in Green Bay. Since he entered the league, he ranks No. 5 in rushing yards (7,078) and No. 9 in yards from scrimmage (9,562). He also has scored 70 touchdowns (50 rushing).
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert contributed to this report.
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