Vikings agree to deal with ex-rival RB Aaron Jones

The Minnesota Vikings have their bridge quarterback for the post-Kirk Cousins era and a new ball-carrier who ought to add yet more fuel to their fiercest rivalry.

The Vikings stayed aggressive in free agency Tuesday by adding former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones and 2018 third overall draft pick Sam Darnold as a temporary replacement for Cousins.

Jones, who was released Monday by the Packers after they landed 2022 All-Pro Josh Jacobs, gets a one-year, $7 million contract, agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press.

Darnold, who played last season for San Francisco, will get a one-year, $10 million deal, a person with knowledge of that contract told the AP. The Vikings also agreed to sign kicker John Parker Romo, according to a second person with knowledge of that deal. Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contracts had not yet been finalized. The signing period opens Wednesday.

Darnold, who went 13-25 as a starter for the New York Jets after they selected him out of Southern California, was traded to Carolina in 2021. He missed most of the 2022 season with the Panthers because of a sprained ankle, and after becoming a free agent last year, he joined the 49ers to back up Brock Purdy.

The 26-year-old Darnold has thrown for 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions in 66 games with a completion rate of 59.7%. With the Jets, he was a teammate of Josh McCown, who was recently hired as Minnesota’s quarterbacks coach.

Texans acquire RB Mixon:

The Houston Texans are acquiring running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals, a person familiar with the deal told the AP on Tuesday.

Mixon will replace Devin Singletary, who has agreed to a deal with the New York Giants.

Mixon led the Bengals last season with 1,034 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Cincinnati planned to release him after agreeing on a contract with running back Zack Moss on Monday.

Instead, the Texans are sending an undisclosed draft pick to the Bengals to keep Mixon off the open market. He’ll join Dameon Pierce in the backfield for the AFC South champions.

The Bengals also agreed on a one-year deal with tight end Mike Gesicki, another person familiar with that deal told the AP.

Browns adding QB Winston:

Deshaun Watson has a new backup in Cleveland.

The Browns agreed Tuesday to a one-year deal with Jameis Winston that’s worth up to $8.7 million, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the AP.

Joe Flacco, who went 4-1 and helped the Browns reach the playoffs last season after Watson was sidelined by a shoulder injury, didn’t receive a contract offer from the Browns, said his agent, Joe Linta.

Winston spent the last four seasons as a spot starter in New Orleans, going 6-4. That followed five seasons in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers made him the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2015. Overall, Winston is 34-46 as a starter.

Also Tuesday, the Browns agreed with former Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the AP.

JetsaddQBTaylor,GSimpson:

The New York Jets got a veteran backup for Aaron Rodgers — and added some protection on their offensive line.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor agreed to terms on a contract with the Jets on Monday night, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. NFL Network reported it’s a two-year deal worth up to $18 million.

New York also agreed to terms on a two-year, $18 million deal with former Ravens guard John Simpson on Monday night, his agent Kyle Strongin with Range Sports RMP told the AP. He’s expected to take over as the starting left guard on what will likely be a revamped starting offensive line.

The Jets also agreed on a one-year contract with former San Francisco defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, a person with knowledge of the deal told the AP.