Broncos Eye $41 Million Pro Bowl ‘Joker’ Weapon Ahead of Free Agency
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has emphasized the importance of a strong running game, with the team finishing 16th in rushing yards during the 2024 season. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Denver could be a potential destination for Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones, who is set to hit free agency.
Jones, 30, had a standout season with the Vikings, setting career highs with 255 carries and 1,138 rushing yards. The former Green Bay Packers star and 2020 Pro Bowler joined Minnesota on a one-year, $7 million deal last offseason.
“Expect Denver to look for a versatile back to bolster Sean Payton’s offense,” Fowler noted on January 29. “Could Jones fit the mold despite his age? He’s the kind of runner/pass catcher who just might.
Aaron Jones has the Vikings up early!
📺: #DETvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/nadSyDNR5B— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024
While injuries have been a concern throughout Jones’ career, he managed to start all 17 games last season, marking the third time he has played a full schedule and the second time in the past three years.
Aaron Jones Could Play the Broncos’ “Joker” Role
The key to Aaron Jones’ potential fit with the Denver Broncos lies in his proven versatility as both a runner and a pass catcher.
“Jones is a slasher in the run game and has the dual-threat traits to catch the ball out of the backfield, with 51 receptions and 1,546 total yards for the Vikings in 2024,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen noted. “He thrives in a zone run scheme that would emphasize his receiving abilities.”
This skill set makes Jones a strong candidate for the Broncos’ “joker” role in the offense.
“We use the term ‘joker’ where we can get match-ups,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton explained in June 2023. “The ‘joker’ player for us is – it’s not a receiver. It’s either a running back or a tight end with exceptional ball skills, and then you can work matchups.
Sam Darnold finds Aaron Jones and the @Vikings are rolling 🔥
📺: #HOUvsMIN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/xqVXlClgqR— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
With $34.8 million in cap space projected for the Broncos this offseason, according to Over The Cap, the team could afford to make a move for Jones, who has earned $41.6 million in his career and is valued at $9.3 million annually. The Broncos could make a splash by signing Jones and still have room to draft a player in the middle rounds to further enhance their roster.
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