NFL free agency is almost set to begin, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, and free agent signings can then become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Minnesota Vikings and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Aaron Jones, RB
The Vikings are re-signing Jones to a two-year, $20 million contract.
What it means: Jones will return for a second season as the Vikings' lead back, but with a twist. Coach Kevin O'Connell has made clear that he wants to build more of a running back committee system than he had in 2024, when Jones set career highs in rushing attempts (255), total touches (306) and offensive snaps (700). Backup Ty Chandler remains on the roster, but the Vikings will likely continue to seek out options to share the load with Jones, via free agency and/or the draft.
What's the risk: Jones will turn 31 before the end of the 2025 season and, while he played in all 17 games last season for only the second time in his career, his performance was hindered at times by hip, rib and quadriceps injuries. That's a large part of the reason the Vikings want to build a larger group of serviceable backs around him. It's rare to have a 31-year-old lead back. Last season, in fact, no running back older than 30 took 100 or more carries.
Theo Jackson, S
Jackson is sticking with the Vikings on a two-year extension worth $12.615 million (through 2027).
What it means: No team decides starting lineups in March, but the nature of this deal suggests Jackson's role will at least expand in 2025. He has spent the past three seasons as a special teams player and occasional defensive substitute behind starters Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum. Both Smith and Bynum are on expiring contracts and, at the time of Jackson's agreement, their return was uncertain at best. Jackson has looked great in two consecutive training camps, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores expressed regret last season that he hadn't been able to find more opportunities to get him on the field for regular-season games.
What's the risk: To be frank, the risk is largely on Jackson's side. The deal effectively took away a trip to the free agent market in his prime, one that could be more lucrative than this deal if he has a banner 2025 season. If he had simply played under a restricted free agent tender in 2025, Jackson would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring. Now the Vikings control his rights through the 2027 season. At that point, he will be 30 years old. This is a good deal for a player who has never been a starter. It just came with a cost.
Ryan Wright, P
Wright is staying in Minnesota on a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
What it means: Washington won't have to worry about kicker for at least another year. Way has solidified the position since joining the organization in 2014. He averaged 46.9 yards per punt last season, which is also his career average. He punted only 50 times -- and went two games in a row without punting. That marked the second fewest in his career. His low is 49 set in 2016 when they played 16 games.
What's the risk: None. Way turns 35 next month so it's uncertain how long he'll want to continue playing. But there is no need to find a successor now. He's still a very good punter.