Impending free-agent running back Aaron Jones discussed former teammate Aaron Rodgers, the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation and his own future in Minnesota during Super Bowl LIX weekend in New Orleans.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Jones expressed his belief that Rodgers has plenty left in the tank despite being 41 years old, saying: "I feel like he's still got a lot to prove. Now, he's really going to have a chip on his shoulder. He's going to go out and show that, 'You guys made the wrong decision. I got a lot of ball left and we're going to be good.'"
Rodgers and Jones were teammates with the Green Bay Packers from 2017 to 2022, and they experienced a great deal of success together.
While they were teammates, Rodgers was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL MVP, and Jones was a one-time Pro Bowler and three-time 1,000-yard rusher.
Rodgers was traded from the Packers to the New York Jets prior to the 2023 season, but he missed all but one game during his first campaign with the Jets due to a torn Achilles.
The future Hall of Famer returned to start all 17 games for the Jets in 2024, but they went a disappointing 5-12, leading to the firing of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
On Sunday, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported that the Jets informed Rodgers they plan to move on from him next season, meaning he will either have to continue his career elsewhere or retire.
As for Jones, he enjoyed a strong first season in Minnesota in 2024, rushing for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 51 receptions for 408 yards and two more scores.
While the 30-year-old is set to hit the open market, he suggested he would like to return to the Vikings in 2025, saying, "I hope to be back there."
The Vikings were among the NFL's best surprises this past season, as they went 14-3 and reached the playoffs, which is a result few expected after quarterback Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
Minnesota signed Sam Darnold to replace him and also selected J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft to be their quarterback of the future.
After McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason, the Vikings moved forward with Darnold as the starter and he delivered, setting career highs with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns to go along with 12 interceptions.
Darnold did struggle in the Vikings' regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions and their playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, though, leading to speculation that the Vikes could let him walk in free agency and name McCarthy the starter.
Jones is confident that either quarterback will be able to succeed in Minnesota moving forward, saying:
"Whoever's gonna be at quarterback, they'll be ready. We'll be ready to push them, lead them. Sam was great for us and we hope to have him back as well, but J.J.'s ready when it's his time. He had a great preseason. Unfortunately he got hurt during that, but he was having a heck of a camp. So, confident in both quarterbacks."
Jones went on to say, "We're set," regardless of who the Vikings decide to make the starting quarterback in 2025 and beyond.
Given that the Vikings have excellent offensive weapons and a strong defense that ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed in 2024, it is difficult to argue with Jones' assessment.
