The Las Vegas Raiders could potentially turn to the trade market for additional running-back help after a concerning injury to second-year star Ashton Jeanty, and one proposed solution would involve the Minnesota Vikings’ Aaron Jones Sr.
According to a trade proposal highlighted by Heavy, the Raiders could send a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to Minnesota in exchange for Jones, giving Las Vegas an experienced veteran to help stabilize its backfield while Jeanty recovers. Importantly, this is a proposed trade idea, not a reported agreement between the two teams.
Jeanty’s Injury Creates Immediate Uncertainty
The situation began on Aug. 23, when Jeanty suffered an ankle injury during Raiders practice. The injury initially looked considerably worse, as the young running back had difficulty putting weight on his leg and needed assistance leaving the field.
Initial fears centered on a potentially serious knee injury, but subsequent reports provided more encouraging news. ESPN and NFL Network reported that Jeanty is believed to have suffered an ankle sprain, rather than a season-ending injury.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later reported that the injury appeared to be more of a low ankle sprain than a high ankle sprain. While that is positive news, the Raiders still cannot be certain that Jeanty will be ready for the season opener. The team is reportedly hopeful he can play in Week 1, but his availability remains uncertain. ([NBC Sports][3])
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has also been cautious about providing details, saying only that Jeanty is “on the mend.” ([New York Post][4])
Why Aaron Jones Makes Sense
That uncertainty is where Minnesota’s Jones enters the discussion.
The proposed deal would send Jones from the Vikings to the Raiders for a 2027 fifth-round pick. The idea is relatively straightforward: Las Vegas would acquire a proven veteran who could handle meaningful workloads while Jeanty is unavailable, rather than asking an inexperienced back to carry the entire responsibility of the offense.
Jones brings extensive NFL experience and has already demonstrated that he can contribute both as a runner and receiver.
In 2025, he played 268 offensive snaps for Minnesota, earning a 65.0 overall PFF grade. He rushed 132 times for 548 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per carry while forcing 12 missed tackles. Through the air, he added 28 receptions for 199 yards and a touchdown.
Those numbers aren’t superstar-level production, but they show why Jones could provide the Raiders with a reliable short-term solution.
The Bigger Question: Would Minnesota Trade Jones?
The proposal becomes more complicated from the Vikings’ perspective.
Minnesota is also trying to compete in the present, meaning there is no obvious reason for the organization to give away an experienced running back unless it believes it has sufficient depth behind him.
The argument for trading Jones is that Jordan Mason could potentially assume a larger role.
Mason had a productive 2025 campaign, playing 341 offensive snaps and earning a 74.4 PFF grade. He carried the ball 159 times for 758 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt and forcing an impressive 31 missed tackles. He also caught 14 passes on 15 targets.
Those numbers suggest Minnesota could potentially survive without Jones if the coaching staff believes Mason is ready to become the primary back.
However, the Vikings have not indicated that they are actively looking to trade Jones. The proposed deal is based on the idea that Minnesota could decide to prioritize Mason while acquiring a draft asset in return.
Would a Fifth-Round Pick Be Enough?
The proposed compensation is another interesting part of the discussion.
A fifth-round pick would not represent a massive return for Minnesota, particularly if Jones continues to play an important role in the Vikings’ offense.
The argument for the Raiders is that Jones would primarily serve as a temporary solution.
Once Jeanty returns, Jones could potentially become a secondary or rotational player. That makes it difficult to justify paying a significant price for him.
The Raiders would therefore have to balance the immediate need for insurance against the possibility that Jeanty returns relatively quickly.
As the Heavy report points out, ankle injuries can be unpredictable. If Jeanty’s recovery progresses quickly, Las Vegas might not need to make a major trade at all.
Mike Washington Jr. Already Has an Opportunity
The Raiders do have an internal option who could help fill the void.
Mike Washington Jr., a fourth-round rookie, has impressed during training camp and the preseason. He is expected to receive increased opportunities while Jeanty is unavailable.
Rapoport noted that the Raiders appear comfortable with Washington if Jeanty cannot play in Week 1.
That is important because it could reduce the urgency for Las Vegas to make a trade.
Washington’s emergence gives the Raiders another choice: rather than surrendering draft capital for a veteran, they could allow their young back to gain experience while waiting for Jeanty’s return.
Jeanty’s Importance to the Raiders
The reason the injury has generated so much discussion is Jeanty’s importance to Las Vegas.
Selected sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty had an impressive rookie season. He rushed for 975 yards and five touchdowns while catching 55 passes for 346 yards and five receiving touchdowns,giving him 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns.
The Raiders were expecting even more from him in 2026.
Kubiak’s offensive system was expected to make Jeanty an even more important centerpiece, potentially increasing his role as both a runner and receiver. Reports indicated the Raiders expected him to be more heavily involved in the passing game this season.
That makes even a short absence potentially disruptive.
A Trade Could Give Las Vegas Insurance
If Jeanty is forced to miss several games, acquiring Jones could provide the Raiders with an experienced safety net.
Rather than placing the entire workload on Washington, Las Vegas could use Jones in early-down situations, passing downs or short-yardage situations while gradually bringing Jeanty back.
Jones’ receiving ability would also fit nicely into a system that values versatility from its running backs.
The Raiders could potentially use a committee featuring Washington and Jones until Jeanty is healthy.
But Patience May Be the Better Option
There is also a strong argument against making the trade.
The latest injury reports suggest Jeanty’s injury is not considered major, and the Raiders remain hopeful that he could be available for Week 1.
If Jeanty misses only one or two games, giving up a draft pick for a veteran who could quickly become a backup might not be worthwhile.
Washington has already shown enough during camp to give the Raiders confidence, meaning the organization could simply wait and see how Jeanty’s recovery develops.
What This Means for the Vikings
For Minnesota, the proposed trade would represent a bet on Mason’s ability to handle a larger workload.
Mason’s 2025 numbers provide legitimate reason for optimism, but having two productive running backs can also be an advantage during a long NFL season.
Jones’ experience, receiving ability and reliability could be valuable to the Vikings, particularly if the team has serious postseason ambitions.
Trading him would therefore create a hole that Minnesota would need to be confident Mason could fill.
The Bottom Line
The proposed Aaron Jones-to-Las Vegas trade is intriguing because it addresses an immediate problem without requiring the Raiders to make a massive commitment.
Jeanty’s injury appears considerably less serious than initially feared, but uncertainty over his Week 1 availability has created a reason for the Raiders to examine their options. Jones would provide proven NFL production and could immediately stabilize the backfield if Jeanty misses time.
At the same time, Mike Washington Jr.’s emergence gives Las Vegas a cheaper internal alternative while Minnesota may have little incentive to move Jones unless the Vikings believe Jordan Mason can successfully take over the lead role.
For now, the trade remains speculation rather than a completed deal The biggest factor will likely be Jeanty’s recovery timeline. If he is cleared for Week 1, the Raiders may have little reason to pursue Jones. If his absence stretches into the regular season, however, Minnesota’s veteran running back could become a much more interesting option for Las Vegas.
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