NFL

Vikings agree to terms with quarterback Darnold, running back Jones

By Sports Desk March 12, 2024

The Minnesota Vikings potentially found their new quarterback on Tuesday while also adding a familiar face to the backfield.

The Vikings agreed to a one-year, $10million deal with signal-caller Sam Darnold after losing Kirk Cousins on the first day of free agency and brought in former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones for one year and $7million.

After Cousins agreed to a reported four-year contract worth up to $180million with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Minnesota quickly added Darnold and will give the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft a chance to earn the starting job.

Darnold has appeared in 66 career games with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers,

In 56 starts, Darnold has posted a 21-35 record while throwing 62 touchdown passes and 55 interceptions.

Jones stays in the NFC North after spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Packers, who released him on Monday after agreeing to terms with former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs.

A dual threat out of the backfield, Jones has rushed for 5,940 yards and 45 touchdowns in 97 career games while adding 2,076 receiving yards and 18 touchdown catches.

Jones’ 63 scrimmage touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2017 are the ninth-most in the league during that span.

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