Aaron Jones, Vikings RBs Get Bad News Ahead of Offseason

The Minnesota Vikings had high hopes for Ty Chandler and Aaron Jones to form a dynamic and formidable backfield duo, but those expectations quickly unraveled as the 2023 season progressed. Chandler, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick, appeared to be a key part of the running back rotation, but by midseason, it became apparent that he had lost favor with the coaching staff. Coming out of the Week 6 bye, Chandler was quietly benched, despite previously playing a solid 36% of the offensive snaps. Over the final 12 games of the season, Chandler played just 39 snaps in total—an astonishing drop in usage. For context, Jones, who had a much larger role, surpassed that number in a single game on eight occasions during the same stretch.

As the only running back under contract for the 2025 season, Chandler’s future in Minnesota is increasingly uncertain. Despite showing promise during his 2023 campaign, in which he rushed for 461 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry, the Vikings may be ready to part ways with him. According to Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller, the team’s lack of trust in Chandler could lead to a complete overhaul of the running back position. “Had Chandler emerged as part of a duo, as it seemed possible before training camp, then the Vikings might have considered keeping him as a prominent piece of the offense,” Coller noted. Unfortunately for Chandler, he seemed to lose the trust of head coach Kevin O’Connell early in the season, and that trust never fully returned.

Jones, on the other hand, carried the majority of the load in the backfield after Chandler’s decline. The Vikings supplemented his efforts with Cam Akers, who filled in for the remaining reps. While Jones was productive throughout the season, he faced his own set of challenges. As the year wore on, Jones had to manage his workload, and the Vikings’ running game suffered from a lack of depth. There were even moments when Jones exited games due to injury, further emphasizing the physical toll of his heavy usage.

Looking ahead, both Jones and Chandler’s futures in Minnesota are up in the air. Coller suggested that it’s entirely possible the Vikings will completely revamp their backfield by 2025, leaving the team with a clean slate at the position. Chandler’s struggles as a pass-blocker have been a significant point of contention for the coaching staff. The Vikings’ offense relies heavily on providing enough protection for longer-developing passing plays, and Chandler’s issues in this area have made him a liability. As Minnesota Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling pointed out, the Vikings’ dissatisfaction with Chandler extends beyond his pass protection. Despite running a fast 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine, Chandler has not shown the same explosiveness in games, leading to further disappointment. “I don’t think they’re terribly happy with Ty Chandler in some capacities of the game. I think pass protection has been a question with him, and he just hasn’t seemed to have the explosiveness that we’ve seen from him at times,” Goessling commented on the “Access Vikings” podcast. His performance, particularly in the Week 5 loss to the Jets, seemed to mark the end of his chances to make a significant impact this season.

The Vikings’ decision to sign Aaron Jones in March 2024 seemed like a turning point. After the Green Bay Packers released their long-time Pro Bowl running back, Minnesota moved swiftly to secure him. At 30 years old, Jones defied the usual regression seen in many older running backs and had the best season of his career. He exceeded 300 touches for the first time and racked up 1,138 rushing yards—an impressive feat for a player in his age bracket. His performance down the stretch of the season, however, raised concerns about his long-term viability. Jones had been dealing with injuries late in the year, and his increasing workload, coupled with a struggling offensive line, created concerns about his ability to maintain peak performance.

Despite his solid production, the Vikings face a tough decision regarding Jones’ future with the team. While his numbers suggest he could still be a valuable asset for the Vikings, the reality is that most running backs in their 30s experience physical decline, making it a risky proposition to count on Jones for another full season. Additionally, the offensive line needs significant improvements to help any running back be effective. Minnesota may find it difficult to re-sign Jones as the lead back, considering his age and mileage. If they choose to bring him back, they’ll need to sign or draft another running back who can complement him, helping to mitigate the physical toll of the position and ensure the team has a balanced and sustainable rushing attack going forward.