The Vikings didn’t exactly tear up their running back room this offseason, and PFF’s latest rankings suggest that decision left Minnesota with just one back inside the league’s top 32.
That back is Aaron Jones.
In a list put together by PFF’s Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman, Jones came in at No. 29 among NFL running backs. He was the only Vikings runner to make the cut, landing behind players such as Jacory Croskey-Merit, Jadarien Price, and Chris Rodriguez.
The evaluation wasn’t exactly glowing, but it did leave room for Jones to matter. PFF wrote, "Jones is in the twilight of his career, but he still racked up 747 yards from scrimmage across just 12 games last season.
When healthy, he can still be a productive committee piece, which he currently is alongside Jordan Mason. A healthier offensive line could also contribute to increased production on the ground, while potentially superior quarterback play could offer more chances for Jones in the passing game."
Minnesota reworked Jones’ deal this offseason, brought back Jordan Mason, and drafted Demond Claiborne, signaling a backfield plan that looks more steady than flashy. Even so, PFF’s ranking is a reminder that there’s still work to do if the Vikings want more production out of the position.
Jones is set to enter his third season with the Vikings in 2026, and his first two years have been a mixed bag - one strong season, one that wasn’t nearly as good. Both he and the team are apparently counting on a rebound in 2026, before what could be a change next offseason.
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Brian Flores has never hidden what he wants from this unit, and Turner fits the mold better now than he did a year ago. The bigger question is whether the Vikings are ready to ask even more of him in 2026, with the edge-rush picture changing around him and the pressure to turn last seasons breakout into something more permanent. [Read more 🡒]