The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently dealing with a cap crunch, so they probably won't make any splash signing in free agency. That said, they could go bargain shopping once the first wave comes and goes.
And while most of the Jags' needs are on defense, they also need to add depth at several positions on offense. Running back could be one of them if 2021 first-round pick Travis Etienne leaves. Fortunately, the Minnesota Vikings could give Jacksonville an intriguing option to replace him.
The Jaguars must keep tabs on Aaron Jones ahead of free agency
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones that they'll release him at the start of the league's new year if they cannot trade him, noting that Minnesota will get $7.75 million in cap relief if they move on from him.
On a related note, the Vikes also let defensive tackle Javon Hargrave know that they're planning to release him.
A fifth-round pick in 2017, Jones spent seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers before bolting to Minnesota in 2024. He crossed the 1,000-yard mark in his first season with the Vikings, but posted underwhelming numbers last year, which is why he was seen as an obvious cap casualty even before Schefter's update.
A team could always swoop in and trade for Jones, but his potential suitors may want to wait for the Vikings to release him, as they have no incentive to keep him around. If the former UTEP Miner does become available, the Jags should keep tabs on him. The past nine years, he's appeared in 126 games with 114 starts, toting the rock 1,564 times for 7,626 yards with 52 touchdowns.
That kind of production most definitely makes him an intriguing option to pair with sophomore Bhayshul Tuten if Travis Etienne leaves in free agency.
Aaron Jones could be a low-risk, high-reward gamble for the Jaguars
As noted before, Aaron Jones had left a bit to be desired last year, but he could always bounce back, especially if he gets a fresh start away from Minnesota. Granted, he's entering his 10th NFL season, and the shelf life for running backs isn't particularly long. Having said that, that shouldn't be a deal breaker for the Jaguars.
Travis Etienne was highly proficient in 2025, totaling 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns. Replacing him if he leaves in free agency will be no walk in the park, but sophomore Bhayshul Tuten is up to the task after flashing last year.
Then again, Jacksonville would need to replenish the running back backfield if Etienne walks. That's where Aaron Jones may come in handy. Signing him wouldn't be expensive, and he could be the ideal complement for Tuten.
Of course, the Jaguars may want to go younger and target a young running back prospect in the draft, but Aaron Jones would give them an affordable alternative in free agency if they'd rather allocate their picks to other, more pressing needs.