In a move that once seemed like a stroke of genius, Aaron Jones ditched his outdated Green Bay Packers threads last year for the sleek purple and gold of the Minnesota Vikings. It was a fresh start that paid off handsomely in 2024, where his stellar performance earned him a shiny new two-year, $20 million contract extension back in March. But fast-forward to this season, and the vibes couldn’t be more different. Jones’ production has plummeted, leaving fans and analysts wondering if his days in Minnesota are numbered—especially with the team poised to free up at least $8 million in precious cap space by cutting ties in 2026.
Now, as the veteran running back approaches his 31st birthday in December, the whispers are turning into roars. Enter The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner, whose latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft has dropped a bombshell: the Vikings snagging Notre Dame sensation Jeremiah Love with the ninth overall pick. That’s right—right in the heart of the first round. Currently, after Week 12 of the 2025 season, Minnesota sits at the No. 12 spot, so this projection hints at a brutal finish to their campaign, one that could spiral them even deeper into draft lottery territory.
Love is no slouch; he’s a dynamic force who’s already racked up an eye-popping 1,135 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, plus 26 catches for 274 yards and three more scores—all in just 10 games for the Fighting Irish. The kid’s got speed, vision, and versatility that could electrify any backfield. But here’s the million-dollar question: Does he fit into Kevin O’Connell’s pass-heavy offensive scheme, where running backs often play second fiddle to the aerial assault?
For a Vikings squad that’s built around slinging the ball, blowing a top-10 pick on a running back who might only see a handful of touches per game feels like a risky gamble. Why not shore up the trenches with a dominant defensive lineman, lockdown cornerback, or ball-hawking safety? Those positions could transform a leaky defense into a championship contender overnight. If Minnesota’s front office is dead set on injecting youth into the backfield, they’d be wiser to wait until Day 2 or 3 of the draft, where hidden gems abound without the premium price tag.
As the 2025 season limps toward its conclusion, this mock draft revelation has ignited fierce debate. Could dumping Jones truly gut the offense, or is it the bold reset Minnesota needs? One thing’s for sure: the Vikings’ offseason just got a whole lot more dramatic. Stay tuned—purple reign might be in for a stormy shake-up.