The Minnesota Vikings will likely have to pay up to retain running back Aaron Jones or watch him walk away, potentially to the rival Bears.

The Minnesota Vikings experienced tremendous success with Aaron Jones sprinting out of the backfield, but there's a good chance he departs in NFL free agency.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Vikings RBs Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler did not become the dynamic duo hoped for, prompting a potential rebuild of the running back room.

The running game in Minnesota has been lackluster for the past two seasons. Last year, running backs Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers had their moments, but overall failed to fill the shoes left

Anyone who watched the Vikings' playoff collapse to the (Los Angeles) Rams knows Minnesota needs to address its offensive line in a major way this offseason. Assuming those upgrades come in free agency, the Vikings could look for help at running back here.

Aaron Jones and Cam Akers have said they’d like to stay in Minnesota. Whether either does depends on what the team views as the best way to strengthen its rushing attack in 2025.