The Green Bay Packers moved on from veteran running back Aaron Jones this offseason, opting instead to sign former All-Pro Josh Jacobs and draft third-round rookie MarShawn Lloyd as their lead backs for the 2024 season.
In somewhat predictable fashion these days, Jones quickly signed with the Minnesota Vikings after he was dumped by the Packers, a move that has become fairly routine for a number of former Packers in recent years.
It's one thing to go ahead and sign with the Vikings after hating them for your entire NFL career, but it's another thing to compare Sam Darnold -- the Vikings' starting QB this year -- to the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love.
In a locker room interview with FOX9, Jones is asked specifically where Sam Darnold "ranks" with guys like Rodgers and Love, and his response is hysterical.
"He's right up there with 'em," said Jones. "Talk about being able to spin the ball, come in and command a huddle, and being a true leader. He's right there with those guys. I'm proud of him."
"I'm calling it now: Comeback Player of the Year," Jones added.
We're certainly running out of time for it, but this is still the time of year when just about every NFL team is undefeated and optimism is running at an absolutely unhinged rate. Apparently, that extends beyond the fan base and into the locker room. Jones is not holding back on the hyperbole, saying that Sam Darnold is going to win Comeback Player of the Year this season, and even mentioned him in the same breath as arguably the best quarterback in Green Bay Packers history.
Maybe Jones is just struggling to remember since Rodgers was with the Jets last year, who knows?
Either way, he's laying it on thick for the faithful Vikings fans, and that fan base is undoubtedly going to run with his comments. The disappointment of losing rookie first-round pick JJ McCarthy has forced Vikings fans to shift their attention and good vibes over to Darnold, who signed a one-year deal worth $10 million this offseason.
Unlike Rodgers, Darnold is not currently Hall of Fame-bound. Unlike Darnold, Jordan Love finished second in the NFL last year in touchdown passes. You can't fault Jones for supporting his new teammate, but perhaps a little more recognition for the guys he's already played with wouldn't hurt, either.
