Aaron Jones was given multiple chances to throw shade during his introductory press conference with the Vikings.

Nobody would’ve blamed him for taking the bait. Not with how easily the Green Bay Packers moved on from him last week in favor of the younger Josh Jacobs.

Whenever his former team got brought up, however, Jones decided to take the high road. He emphasized that Chapter 1 of his career was over. He promised that Chapter 2 was going to be beautiful.

“This is my focus,” Jones said. “I’m not worried about the Packers. I’m with the Vikings, and I feel like we have a really good roster. We have the pieces that we need here.”

He’s a big part of that. It’s no secret that the Vikings wanted to add more talent to the backfield this offseason, and they did so by signing Jones to one-year, $7 million contract. He became a top priority for the Vikings as soon as the Packers released him.

“This is a guy that’s had the type of impact we were looking for to add to our room,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “I’m really, really excited to start getting to work with him.”

The stats have spoken for themselves ever since Jones got selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft. He has established himself as a playmaker, recording 1,177 carries for 5,940 yards and 45 touchdowns. He has also proved himself as a versatile option out of the backfield, hauling in 272 receptions for 2,076 yards and 18 touchdowns.

That explains why the Vikings immediately targeted Jones regardless of the fact that he turns 30 this season.

“We get the conversation about running backs and age and different things like that,” general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “Maybe that dynamic has gone a little too far to the other side, and teams are realizing that there are still really good players at their value. It’s a position where we can really upgrade performance pretty efficiently. We’re excited to have him.”

The skill set that Jones brings with him should pair nicely with young running back Ty Chandler. He’s also bringing a passion that has always made everybody around him better. He expects that to continue to burn inside of him regardless of circumstance.

“Just because they didn’t re-sign me doesn’t add fuel to the fire,” Jones said. “My fire has already been lit, and it’s going to stay lit. I’m on a mission to be the best running back in the NFL. I’m glad I get to prove that here in Minnesota with a great organization.

What does he think it will be like going back to Lambeau Field for the first time? That was the only time Jones dropped a hint that he might be out for some revenge.

“It’s going to be fun,” Jones said with a smile. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers rushes during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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