Aaron Jones on a “Touch Count” This Season?

This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings said goodbye to running back Alexander Mattison and upgraded the position significantly by signing former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones. Although we have yet to see Jones play in a meaningful game in purple and gold, he’s going to bring a whole other dimension to this offense.

Not only is Jones a solid runner, but he can catch the ball well and is solid in the pass blocking game too. Despite being the clear starer, it sounds like the Minnesota Vikings’ and head coach Kevin O’Connell want to limit Jones touches per game this season.

National NFL insider expects a specific range of touches per game for Aaron Jones this season

Appearing at Minnesota Vikings’ Training Camp last week and talking with some within the organization, Jones is expected to get 15-18 touches per game. Graziano did note that there may be some games where he gets upwards of 20 touches per game, but overall, the goal is to keep Jones fresh throughout the season.

Based on the conversations @DanGrazianoESPN had at @Vikings training camp, he expects RB Aaron Jones to get “15-18 touches per game and use Ty Chandler as kind of a 1B to Jones' 1A.”

The Vikings think Jones has “always been at his best when he’s had a complementary back”. pic.twitter.com/at0ZTmmZlO

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 9, 2024

Based on the conversations I had when I was there, I expect the Vikings to try to get Jones 15-18 touches per game and use Ty Chandler as kind of a 1B to Jones’ 1A. It’s possible some game plans will call for Jones to get upwards of 20 touches, but the Vikings have watched him up close for years and believe he has always been at his best when he’s had a complementary back such as Jamaal Williams or AJ Dillon.

Dan Graziano (ESPN)

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Graziano also notes that Jones isn’t the clear RB1 week in-and-week-out, but noted how Ty Chandler will still play a large roll in this offense. Specifically stating that: Chandler will be the 1B to Jones’ 1A.

Outlook for Minnesota Vikings’ Aaron Jones this upcoming season

Jones is set up for success here in Minnesota this season. He’s surrounded by receiving weapons and an offensive line that will look a little different but overall is mostly the same from last season. The quarterback position is still unknown, but both Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy are very capable of running this offense.

And the @Packers think they “upgraded” at the RB position this offseason 🤣

Meanwhile, the @Vikings just scratching the surface of Jones’ career @PFF 67.3 receiving grade…

🎥: @Vikings pic.twitter.com/BVzN9NxtXP

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 7, 2024

Although Jones had his worst season of his career in 2023 according to Pro Football Focus, his 76.0 overall grade is still extremely good. He battled through injuries last season, which likely contributed to this, but sounds like he’s healthy and ready to help win games this upcoming season for the Minnesota Vikings.