Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of a strong running game. They completed the 2024 season ranked 16th in rushing yards. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler proposed that the Broncos might be a destination for Minnesota Vikings impending free agent Aaron Jones.
Jones, 30, achieved personal bests with 255 attempts and 1,138 rushing yards for the Vikings last season.
The ex-Green Bay Packers standout and 2020 Pro Bowler inked a one-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings during the 2024 free agency period.
Fowler mentioned on January 29 that Denver is likely to seek a flexible running back to strengthen Sean Payton’s offense. “Is it possible for Jones to conform to the expectations despite his age?” He’s the type of runner/pass catcher who could very well.
Nonetheless, he played in all 17 matches during the regular season. It marked his third occasion recording a complete set of games in his career and the second instance in the last three seasons.
Jones’ adaptability as both a runner and a pass catcher from the backfield might be crucial to his alignment with the Broncos.
Jones is a formidable runner in the ground game and possesses dual-threat abilities to receive passes from the backfield, recording 51 catches and 1,546 total yards for the Vikings in 2024,” stated ESPN’s Matt Bowen in the same piece. “He excels in a zone run system that showcases his receiving abilities.”
That skill set might make Jones ideally suited for the “joker” position in the Broncos’ offense.
“We refer to the term ‘joker’ when we find match-ups,” Payton informed journalists in June 2023. “The player we consider the ‘joker’ isn’t a receiver.” It’s either a running back or a tight end with outstanding ball handling abilities, and then you can leverage matchups.
Over The Cap estimates that the Broncos will possess $34.8 million in available funds this offseason. OTC assigns Jones, with $41.6 million in career earnings, an annual valuation of $9.3 million.
The Broncos might indulge in signing Jones and select a player during the mid rounds.
The Broncos have four running backs signed for 2025, potentially making Jones a luxury acquisition. Jaleel McLaughlin is the top running back in the Broncos’ returning roster. He concluded the regular season with 496 yards and 1 touchdown from 113 attempts.
McLaughlin collected 24 receptions for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat abilities. Nonetheless, he is smaller than ideal for a full-time position.
First-year fifth-round selection Audric Estime ended with a 76-310-2.
Neither Blake Watson (4-10-0) nor Tyler Badie (11-86-0) surpassed the 100-yard mark throughout the season. Broncos’ top rusher Javonte Williams recorded 513 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 139 carries. However, he is also an unrestricted agent.
Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix ranked third on the team, accumulating 430 yards and 4 TDs on 92 attempts. The Broncos went the entire season without a rusher achieving 100 yards.
The Cleveland Browns were the sole other team lacking a 100-yard rusher in a game during 2024.
The Broncos primarily depended on Nix and the passing attack. However, they also had a record of 1-6 in games decided by a single score. Identifying an appropriate backfield partner might assist in getting that record nearer to .500 in the upcoming season.
