RB Aaron Jones wants to finish his career with the Vikings

EAGAN, Minn. — As he nears the end of one of his most productive seasons, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones made it clear this week: He has found a new home and hopes to re-sign with the team when his contract expires . this spring.

“I hope to be here until the end of my career,” Jones said Wednesday. “Honestly, this is a great place.”

Jones spent his first seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being released last March after rejecting a pay cut. The Vikings quickly signed him to a one-year, $7 million contract and have benefited from his diverse skill set and weekly availability.

Jones turned 30 last month, but is on pace to play in 17 games for the second time in a season. He already set a career-high in carries (245) and needs 29 rushing yards on Sunday night against the Detroit Lions to surpass his previous single-season high of 1,121 yards, set in 2022. With 88 combined rushing and receiving yards on Sunday at night, he would eclipse his record of 1,558 yards from scrimmage, set in 2019.

Jones also played in 17 games during the 2022 season, but missed six in 2023 due to a series of injuries. He has left games this season with hip, rib and quadriceps ailments, but has played at least 16 plays in each game. Assuming he plays at least six snaps on Sunday night, he will also set a career-high for snaps over the course of a season (677).

“Last year I missed a handful of games,” he said, “and I also played through an injury. With that I guess the ‘he’s injury-prone and constantly injured’ narrative spread… [This season]”I’m letting the guys know that whatever happens throughout the week, or in that game, I’ll be ready the following Sunday.”