Source: Green Bay Packers star agrees to join NFC North rival after being released

Aaron Jones is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, the NFC North opponents, after leaving the Green Bay Packers. He will agree to a $7 million, one-year contract, according to NFL Network.

Surprisingly, the Packers and fellow running back Josh Jacobs have reached an agreement on a four-year, $48 million contract. The 26-year-old Jacobs played his first five seasons with the Raiders, where he finished with over 1,000 yards in three of those five campaigns.

Jones was a leader in the locker room and a beloved among Packers supporters. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst called him the team’s “heartbeat” after the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.

“Yeah, absolutely, we’d love to have Aaron back,” Gutekunst replied, noting that they were still working through how to move forward. He praised Jones for being a game-changer when he played this year.

Jones is among the top running backs in Green Bay’s history when he departs the franchise. He is fourth among Packers halfbacks in terms of running attempts (1,177) and rushing touchdowns (45), while ranking third in terms of rushing yards (5,940).

Jones as one of the league’s most effective backs

The Vikings, who ranked 29th in rush yards (1,553) last season, receive a much-needed boost to their running attack. Jones has shown to be one of the league’s most effective backs when he can remain healthy, amassing at least 1,100 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns in four consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2022.

Jones is the latest in a long line of former Packers who relocated to Minnesota. Wide receiver Greg Jennings, quarterback Brett Favre, safety Darren Sharper, and defensive end Za’Darius Smith are among the other prominent players who joined the Vikings.

Jones will face his former team twice in 2024 now that he is a member of the Vikings. He’s accumulated 502 yards and four touchdowns on 94 carries in the previous six games played at U.S. Bank Stadium.

After being active in the free agency market, the Packers signed former Giants safety Xavier McKinney to a four-year, £68 million contract. In the meantime, the Vikings, who are expected to sign Sam Darnold for about £10 million, may have found their quarterback going forward after losing Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons.

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