Aaron Jones Wants to Retire as a Viking

By Ezra Greenman |

Updated: Jan 2, 2025

NFL: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings star running back Aaron Jones has made a huge impact in his first season donning the purple and gold. He’s been a key reason the Vikings are sitting at an impressive 14-2 record.

However, with Jones on just a one-year deal, it’s definitely time to start thinking about what the team’s options at running back might look like next season.

Aaron Jones wants to be a Minnesota Viking for life

Aaron Jones : Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

A former rival turned ally, Jones spent his first seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers before things took a sour turn. The Packers let him go last offseason, unwilling to meet his contract demands. In his debut season in purple, Aaron Jones has been a huge part of Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

In 2024, Jones has racked up 1,093 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, along with 378 receiving yards. In fact, it has gone so well that the 30-year-old running back never wants to leave. Jones told reporters this week that he wants to retire as a member of the Minnesota Viking.

“I hope to be here,” Jones said. “I hope to be here to the end of my career, honestly. This is an excellent place, an excellent upstairs, training room, all across the board. This is an excellent place. So, this is where if I can finish my career here, this is where I’d like to finish my career at.”
Aaron Jones to the StarTribune

Season	Team	G	GS	Att	Yds	TD	Rec	Yds	TD
2017	GNB	12	4	81	448	4	9	22	0
2018	GNB	12	8	133	728	8	26	206	1
2019	GNB	16	16	236	1084	16	49	474	3
2020	GNB	14	14	201	1104	9	47	355	2
2021	GNB	15	15	171	799	4	52	391	6
2022	GNB	17	17	213	1121	2	59	395	5
2023	GNB	11	11	142	656	2	30	233	1
2024	MIN	16	16	245	1093	5	46	378	2

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table – Generated 1/2/2025.

What will the Minnesota Vikings do at running back next season?

Jones has already put together an impressive career, rushing for over 1,000 yards in four seasons. Now at 30 years old, the big question is whether he’s got anything left in the tank. If he does, though, he’s now made it clear, he wants to keep going with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings face a big decision this offseason. Should they invest in signing Aaron Jones or turn to the draft? With a stacked running back class featuring names like Ashton Jeanty (Boise State), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), Dylan Sampson (Tennessee), and TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), the draft could also offer plenty of exciting options.