April 7, 2025
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has hinted at reducing Jones' workload and using trade acquisition
Jordan Mason as part of a "1A/1B backfield structure,"
ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Connell specifically mentioned goal-line and short-yardage situations as areas where Mason can help, noting that the Vikings "left a lot to be desired" in those situations last year. Jones returns as the starter after signing a two-year, $20 million contract, but it sounds like he's a long shot to match last season's career highs for snaps (700), rush attempts (255) and touches (306). The only disappointment in 2024 was him scoring three times on 24 carries inside the 10-yard line, with just seven total TDs (five rushing) despite playing all 17 regular-season games and recording 1,546 yards from scrimmage (his most since 2019) at rates of 4.5 yards per carry and 8.0 per catch. While ceding goal-line carries is never a good thing for fantasy value, Mason's physical presence could help the 30-year-old Jones stay healthy and maintain his strong per-touch yardage production.