NFL Network’s Maurice Jones-Drew recently shared his rankings of all 74 running backs who started in the 2024 season. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry finished atop the rankings, but they weren’t the only free-agent backs to whom Jones-Drew gave love.

After Jones' surprising release from the Green Bay Packers last offseason, Minnesota moved fast to sign him in the first few days of free agency. Jones agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract that was fully guaranteed.

Aaron Jones ‘ one-year deal with the Vikings contained four void years to lessen the blow on Minnesota’s 2024 cap sheet. February 17 was a crucial date for the contract, as Jones would have officially hit free agency while leaving the Vikings with a notable dead cap hit in 2025.