Aaron Jones Shares Honest Take on Vikings’ QB Competition
Numerous Vikings coaches and players have been weighing in on the QB competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy this week. One of the most recent testimonies comes from veteran RB Aaron Jones, who signed a revised deal earlier this offseason to remain with the team.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones Shares His Words of Wisdom to Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy
On Wednesday, Jones was asked if he had shared any veteran advice with J.J. McCarthy amid the competition. Turns out, he had words of encouragement for both QBs.
“I told both of them the same thing. Just go out and play your game. Do what’s gotten you here, don’t worry about what anyone’s saying other than the coaches. Don’t worry about the critics or the outside noise. In a sense, have an ‘F-It” mindset and just go have fun, go play ball, go back to enjoying it as a kid. I told both of them that.
I told both of them I’m here for them any way they need me. I’m here to try and help them get better and for them to help me get better as well.”
Jones took the ultimate veteran approach to answering the question. The 31-year-old back understands the gravity of the situation in Minnesota, and he also understands that he won’t have many more opportunities to go out and win a Super Bowl ring. Aaron Jones, and every other player on the roster, would benefit the greatest amount from doing everything he can to be there for each QB when needed.
Jones brings priceless experience and mentorship, even if he plays an entire different position. Apparently, his relationship with J.J. McCarthy is strong enough that he doesn’t mind asking for a ride from the airport.
Aaron Jones Shares Neat J.J. McCarthy Story
Aaron Jones shared a cool little story about an experience he had with J.J. McCarthy. Per Jones, he was on his way back to Minnesota earlier this offseason to sign his revised deal. Turns out, he got “stuck” in Chicago, where J.J. McCarthy just so happened to hail from and was currently visiting at the time. Jones picked up the phone.
“I just happened to call J.J. I know my teammate, he lives in Chicago. He came and picked me up and we got to hang out for the night. We had conversations then, as well. I’m really invested in all those guys in that locker room. It doesn’t matter who’s up, I’m pouring into everybody.”
Seemed like a bit of a case of “right place, right time” for Aaron Jones, who was able to rely on McCarthy to save him from a dreaded airport layover. What else could teammates possibly be for?
Aaron Jones and the Running Game Need Good QB Play in 2026
Football is the ultimate complementary sport, but I didn’t need to tell you that. Sure, you need a good running game to open up the passing game. However, a good passing game could also go a long way to help the running game. If your passing game is no real threat, then teams can just key in on the run.
The Vikings were actually one of the most efficient teams running the football in 2025, believe it or not. Their 4.5 yards-per-carry as a team was actually the 12th-best mark in the entire NFL last season. Still, they were near the bottom of the NFL in total yardage. Some of that is because the Aaron Jones-led room was a touch mismanaged, but some of it can also be attributed to the fact that QB play was so bad at most times in 2025 that they couldn’t even stay on the script needed to run the ball.
There is no 100% blame to give out for that. Like previously mentioned, football is a complementary sport. The team can all help each other just as much as it can hurt each other. With the investments that the Vikings made in the running game this offseason, though, it may be for the better this time.
