Vikings' Aaron Jones shares advice for Steelers' Aaron Rodgers amid rumors, J.J. McCarthy comments

If nothing else, Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has seemingly made it known on multiple occasions this winter that he wouldn't mind if the club acquired some competition for starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the offseason. 

Meanwhile, Vikings running back Aaron Jones and current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers were teammates with the Green Bay Packers from 2017 through the 2022 season. During a Thursday appearance on the "Nightcap" program, Jones was asked about the recent rumors that have linked Rodgers with the Vikings. 

Aaron Jones gives Aaron Rodgers some friendly advice about possible free-agency journey

"I like him in Minnesota," Jones said about Rodgers, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. 

Recently hired Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy was first Rodgers' head coach with the Packers from 2006 through a portion of the 2018 season. McCarthy wants Rodgers to run it back with Pittsburgh for another campaign, but the 42-year-old hasn't yet declared if he'll play for any team later this year. 

The Steelers allegedly want to know by "early March" at the latest if they will need to pursue other options at the quarterback position via free agency, a trade and/or the upcoming draft. That said, it's no secret that Rodgers has a close relationship with Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell. Rodgers flirted with the Vikings last offseason before he signed with the Steelers, and O'Connell may be able to pick his QB1 for 2026 following the surprising dismissal of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Does Aaron Jones think Aaron Rodgers can still go? 

Rodgers earned two of his four career regular-season MVP Awards during Jones' Green Bay tenure. On Thursday, Jones insisted he feels that Rodgers has "got a lot of ball left" in the tank. 

"You see him out there, he looks like he's having fun," Jones added about Rodgers. "His celebrations, the love for the game is back in his heart, and you can see it. He's a competitor. I think he comes back. I think he's got a lot left. You see, at the end of one of the games, he threw a Hail Mary, just flicked his wrist, 70 [yards]. You can't come out and coach that."

If nothing else, Rodgers can enjoy the fact that he's wanted by individuals associated with multiple teams. For what it's worth, the new league year officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.