The fuel gauge for Aaron Jones, Sr., is closer to full than empty.
"I feel like I can play [for] eight more years," the Vikings running back said Monday.
The 29-year-old Jones has approached a historical age-of-decline for NFL players at his position. But it holds no bearing; he claims his body is the best it's felt and he's ready to put together the best year of his career.
Purple Insider's Matthew Coller detailed Jones' fantastic 2023 finish – he rushed for 584 yards over his last five games as a Packer – and efforts to prolong his production in his debut season in purple.
Coller acknowledged the view – that running backs fall off at 29 – but hypothesized Jones joining a different group.
Since 2014, the NFL has seen 17 individual seasons in which a running back age 29 or older went for 750 or more yards and averaged more than 4.2 (league average last year) yards per carry. The names of the players who accomplished such a feat fly in the same air as Jones. Adrian Peterson (three times), Derrick Henry (last year), Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch, Mark Ingram, DeAngelo Williams and Latavius Murray.
Jones explained that he's leveraging off-field collaboration with Vikings trainers to improve his health.
"I wanted to do some pre-hab prevention, and they were like, 'We were already thinking about that, we already have a card written up for you,' " said Jones, recalling initial conversations with the team's training staff. "You just tell us the body part, and we got you. They really do, and I notice a difference from the first time I did it and times I don't do it and go out there. I'm ready, I'm tuned up and ready to go."
Coller added insight from a couple of veteran teammates, Vikings fullback C.J. Ham and cornerback Byron Murphy, Jr., to corroborate the idea that Jones could actually reverse course on the RB timeline.
"From everything I've seen, he hasn't slowed down even a little bit," Ham said.
Murphy added, "He can do anything," with mention of Jones' nose for the goal line and receiving skills.
Coller explored another element working to Jones' advantage, writing:
Between the team's handling of Jones, his own effort to remain healthy and his intelligence and instincts leading the way more than sheer speed, it isn't hard to be convinced that he can keep trucking. But the other important factor is that the Vikings aren't going to put everything on Jones' plate. The plan is to split carries with third-year speedster Ty Chandler, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry and took over RB1 duties at the end of last season.
Read Coller's full article on Jones.
Dallas Turner for Defensive ROTY?
Good Morning Football host Akbar Gbajabiamila is bullish about Vikings outside linebacker Dallas Turner.
The retired NFL defensive end on Monday named Turner as his choice to be Defensive Rookie of the Year. He characterized the 17th overall draft pick as a "freak of nature" and "next-level athlete" who can make an instant impact because of his hand quickness, body control and ability to navigate defensive systems.
Gbajabiamila pointed toward Turner's exciting albeit brief performance this preseason (35 snaps), in which he produced a quarterback hit and sack, as proof that the Nick Saban disciple will excel in Year 1.
"With Brian Flores as the DC and Jonathan Greenard coming over from the Texans, with 12.5 sacks last season, [Turner is] set for a massive year," Gbajabiamila said. "He could really make a high, high impact. Defenses are going to have a hard time protecting [against] and stopping both him and [Greenard]."
Gbajabiamila alluded to Turner thriving even if the bulk of his repetitions early on are limited to pass-rushing scenarios on third downs. The Vikings outside linebackers room also features Andrew Van Ginkel, Jihad Ward and Pat Jones II, for what it's worth. Some form of group rotation is anticipated.
"The Vikings have a history of developing elite pass-rushers," added Gbajabiamila, citing Hall of Famer John Randle, Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen as examples. "This is going to be a helluva [player]."
The balloting was split across the GMFB cast, with co-hosts Peter Schrager, Kyle Brandt and Jamie Erdahl opting for Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse, Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold and Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell – the Nos. 19, 24 and 22 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Last year's winner, edge defender Will Anderson, Jr., of the Texans, was teammates with Turner at Alabama and won the honor after accruing seven sacks, 22 quarterback hits and 45 tackles in 15 games.
Pass-rushers have dominated the voting recently, indicating a possible advantage for Turner (and Verse). In 2022, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner claimed the award. He was preceded by quarterback hunters Micah Parsons (2021; Dallas), Chase Young (2020; Washington) and Nick Bosa (2019; San Francisco).
If Gbajabiamila's prediction comes true, Turner will be the franchise's first AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Cornerback Dewayne Washington earned the recognition from Pro Football Weekly in 1994.
