The Minnesota Vikings have secured their interim quarterback for the post-Kirk Cousins era and added a new running back, intensifying their rivalry with the Green Bay Packers.
In a bold move in free agency, the Vikings signed former Packers running back Aaron Jones to a one-year, $7 million contract. Jones was released by the Packers after they acquired 2022 All-Pro Josh Jacobs. The Vikings also signed former New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal to fill in for Cousins.
Additionally, the Vikings agreed to a deal with kicker John Parker Romo. The team also addressed their defense by signing edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and inside linebacker Blake Cashman.
Darnold, who has a 13-25 record as a starter, is expected to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback. The team still has Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens under contract and is likely to draft another quarterback with the 11th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
The signing of Jones was unexpected, as the Packers initially intended to re-sign him. However, a pay cut negotiation failed, leading to his release. Jones has a history of success against the Vikings, including five consecutive 100-yard rushing games and a strong performance in the playoffs.
Romo, an undrafted kicker out of Virginia Tech, has not played in a regular-season NFL game and spent last season in the XFL. His signing comes as Greg Joseph, the Vikings’ kicker for the past three years, becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The Vikings also re-signed wide receiver Brandon Powell and released defensive lineman Dean Lowry, who finished the season on injured reserve. Lowry was a low-profile free agent addition last year from the Packers.
Jones will join a short list of players who have played for both the Packers and the Vikings, highlighting the historic rivalry between the two teams.
