Aaron Jones

RB age 31 — entering/past typical value cliff

Jones dealt with a slew of injuries this season and ultimately played just 12 games, finishing with a career-low 4.2 YPC while posting his lowest marks since his rookie year for rushing yards (548) and receiving yards (199). Multiple soft tissue injuries throughout 2025 signal declining durability.

The Vikings likely will trade/release Jones before mid-March if they don't plan to keep him around for the 2026 season. The Vikings are facing a $36 million salary cap deficit in 2026, making Jones' $9M salary expendable.

Mason, who tallied a career-high 159 carries as well as six rushing touchdowns, and Jones shouldered the load in 2025. Due to injuries, one played without the other in six different games, and the tandem crossed the century mark together just three times, limiting Jones' ceiling.

Jordan Mason (dynasty value 2450, higher than Jones' 2289) is the presumed RB1 in Minnesota. Jones accepted a $3.5M pay cut on his restructured 1-year deal after the Vikings nearly released him, signaling leverage has decisively shifted away from him.

Jordan Mason leads the Minnesota committee and holds a higher dynasty value (2372 vs 2063). Jones's role is contingent on Mason's health and coaching staff willingness to sustain PPR-friendly usage; any offensive adjustment tilts touches further toward Mason.

He's still led the Vikings backfield most weeks in the meantime, earning 67 touches to Jordan Mason's 37 over the last five games when healthy. Kevin O'Connell's offense values pass-catching backs, preserving PPR value.

Jones said he "of course" hoped to return to Minnesota in 2025. Even if he is best suited for more of a rotational role, Jones remains one of the best options in a presumptive free agent class. Contending teams may have interest.

The late-season usage spike (W17: 65% snaps, 29% tgt share, 64% carry share) is the best sell window a dynasty manager will get. Superflex and PPR leagues may still overvalue a name-brand veteran — move him now before the 2026 draft potentially crowds the backfield further.

Jones's target share spiked to 29% in W17 and his end-of-season usage trend (45%→65% snaps, 4%→29% tgt share W14–W17) is genuine. In J.J. McCarthy's pass-first offense with Jefferson and Addison commanding coverage, pass-catching backs carry real PPR floor value.

Recent usage is trending UP — 29% target share and 65% snaps in W17 — confirming a genuine passing-down/receiving role that provides a respectable PPR floor in deeper leagues.

If Mason misses time, Jones immediately reclaims a high-volume RB1/RB2 role in a strong offense (Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson), creating a temporary spike in startable value.