A New Vikings RB Now Feels Inevitable
Minnesota Vikings fans spent 15 years enjoying Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook at running back, a decade and a half of brilliance.
A New Vikings RB Now Feels Inevitable
In fact, the fanbase became spoiled and accustomed to a lofty style of living. Then, 2023 hit, and Minnesota embarked on an experiment with a promotion at RB2 when Alexander Mattison took the big job. A loyal move, the 2023 free-agent signing didn’t net results, and instead, second-year tailback Ty Chandler took over down the stretch last year.
Fast forward to Thursday, just 11 days before the start of free agency, and the Vikings reportedly said goodbye to Mattison, who had lived on Minnesota’s depth chart for five years. He’ll hit free agency like hundreds of others, and the aforementioned Chandler appears in line for a promotion.
No matter what, though, a new running back — from free agency or the draft — feels inevitable. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Tuesday at the NFL Combine about possibly adding new juice to his RB room, “I think it’s always a position that I think, whether in free agency or the draft, you’re looking to continue to infuse talent and different skill sets into that room but I feel good about what those guys were able to do, and more importantly, hopefully, what we can build on from there specifically with Ty towards the end of the season.”
And those comments were before Mattison’s release. O’Connell’s declaration should be interpreted as a signal for a new running back, only accelerated by Mattison’s departure.
These are the Vikings halfbacks under contract for 2024:
- Ty Chandler
- Kene Nwangwu
- DeWayne McBride
- Myles Gaskin
In theory, Chandler could set the world on fire and serve as “the new Dalvin Cook.” All would be right in the world. However, Chandler isn’t an efficient pass-blocker, and his skillset isn’t quite impressive enough to hide the blocking deficiency. Pairing him with a newcomer while leaning fully into a running back by committee seems like the likeliest scenario.
Have a look at the 2023 rushing statistics:
Those statistics stink. They really stink. Better offensive line personnel could help. O’Connell adapting his rushing scheme could, too. Yet, the most probable outcome is a new running back to join Chandler in 2024.
So, who it will be? These are the free-agent options, among others:
- Saquon Barkley
- JK Dobbins
- Austin Ekeler
- Antonio Gibson
- Derrick Henry
- Josh Jacobs
- Zack Moss
- Tony Pollard
- D’Andre Swift
And some of the rookies who will be available in April from the draft:
- Jonathon Brooks (Texas)
- Blake Corum (Michigan)
- Trey Benson (Florida State)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
- MarShawn Lloyd (USC)
- Bucky Irving (Oregon)
- Braelon Allen (Wisconsin)
On the whole, it’s unlikely for the Vikings to “call it good” with Chandler and a few RB3 types. Expect change — probably the infusion mentioned by O’Connell.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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