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Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones said he wants to finish his career with the franchise amid his upcoming free agency next offseason.
"I hope to be here until the end of my career," Jones said on Wednesday (January 1) via ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "Honestly, this is an excellent place."
Jones, 30, signed a one-year with the Vikings as a free agent this past offseason after spending his entire career with the NFC North Division rival Green Bay Packers. The veteran running back declined taking a pay cut from the Packers, who traded for fellow running back Josh Jacobs prior to his release.
The Vikings quickly signed Jones to a $7 million contract, which has turned out to be an ideal situation for both sides. The veteran running back is on pace to play in all 17 games for the second time in his career as Minnesota faces a crucial matchup against the rival Detroit Lions for the NFC North Division title and No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Jones has recorded 1,093 yards -- 28 yards shy of his career-best total of 1,121 in 2022 -- and five touchdowns on a career-high 245 rushing attempts, as well as 46 receptions for 378 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran back is also six snaps shy of setting a new career-high.
"Last year I missed a handful of games and played through injury as well," Jones said via ESPN. "With that I guess the narrative got out that 'He's injury-prone and constantly injured. ... [This season], I'm letting guys know that whatever I go through throughout the week, or in that game, I'm going to be ready the following Sunday."