The Green Bay Packers shocked their own fanbase and NFL analysts in general last offseason when they signed free agent running back Josh Jacobs to a four-year contract. Typically not ones to make huge plays in free agency, the fact that Green Bay went out and signed one of the best running backs on the market was a welcomed development by fans, but it did come at a cost.
Soon after the news broke that Jacobs was joining the Packers, more reports were released that stated that Green Bay was releasing Aaron Jones, the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher.
It was understandable, of course, from the Packers’ perspective. Jacobs is younger and has the ability to carry a heavier workload than Jones. Still, it was difficult to see one of the best running backs in franchise history leave, especially since he signed with the Minnesota Vikings shortly after.
Former Green Bay Packers Running Back Aaron Jones Had a Solid Season for the Minnesota Vikings
What many did not realize by the end of the 2024 NFL season was the fact that Jones put up career numbers in his first season with the Vikings. His 255 rushing attempts were a career-high, as were his 1,138 rushing yards. Additionally, Jones had 408 receiving yards, his most in a season since 2019 when he had 474.
Jacobs, meanwhile, had 301 carries for 1,329 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns for Green Bay. Needless to say, the change at running back benefited both the Packers and Jones.
But while the Packers have Jacobs locked up for the next three seasons, Jones will be hitting free agency for the second time in two years.
And he knows just where he wants to be.
Former Green Bay Packers Running Back Aaron Jones Wants to Stay with the Minnesota Vikings
According to a report by Kevin Seifert of ESPN, Jones would very much like to return to the Vikings in 2025, and they have interest in bringing him back as well:
“We’ll see how it plays out, but this is where I want to be.”
Seifert does report, though, that the Vikings do not want to use Jones as much as they did last year. Per his report, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “So I would love to have Aaron back. And then we just continue to grow in that room, whether it’s infusing a young player in the draft or maybe another player in free agency alongside Aaron Jones, hopefully.”
At 30 years old and already an eight-year veteran, Jones has long-since exceeded the average career length for NFL running backs. Whichever team signs him, whether it be the Vikings or someone else, his days as a primary running back may be over.
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