Brett

Jones

Jones has played his past three seasons in Minnesota, being active for 31 games but only logging five starts. Entering his age-30 season with one season as his team’s primary start under his belt, Jones is simply a depth signing for Denver.

Headed into his age-29 campaign, Jones has lots of experience on the inside. The Vikings will stash him on the practice squad under this year’s unique COVID-19 rules.

In theory the Vikings’ No. 2 center, Jones might actually be No. 3 since LG Pat Elflein appeared to be the Vikes’ back-up plan at the pivot last season. 28-year-old Jones can also play guard. He will likely retain his 53-man roster spot.

The Vikings will be without their backup center for the remainder of the season. The Vikings signed T Aviante Collins to the 53-man roster in a corresponding roster move.

This was always a possibility after the Vikings initially waived Jones during the first week of September. A 13-game starter two seasons ago, Minnesota most recently depended on Jones as their top reserve. He’ll step right back into that role starting in Week 2.

A 13-game starter in 2017, Jones remained one of the Vikings’ top interior reserves last season. The Vikes did allow Jones to languish on the open market for nearly a month before re-signing him, tipping this as a possibility. It’s possible he ends up back in purple at some point in 2019.

The deal can be worth a max of $1.5 million with incentives. Acquired from the Giants last August, Jones opened the season as the starting center but was eventually replaced by Pat Elflein. He should compete for a backup role this year.

A starter for the Giants in 2017, Jones was limited by injury last season. The Vikes have a need on the interior after letting G/C Nick Easton walk.

Jones needed an MRI after Monday’s win. He’s been filling in for Justin Pugh. Marshall Newhouse replaced Jones on Monday.

Jones lasted only one drive before leaving. He’s filling in for injured starting LG Justin Pugh (knee). Ex-starting RT Marshall Newhouse is now in at guard.