RB Reset Coming for Vikings
This is relatively uncharted territory for the Minnesota Vikings in recent memory. When Kevin O’Connell was hired, it was always known that he’d have a progressive style and an offensive outlook. That probably diminished what was thought of the running game, but someone still has to carry the rock.
RB Reset Coming for Vikings
Aaron Jones became that guy for Minnesota this season. He was brought in on a one-year deal to fix the mistake that gave Alexander Mattison the lead role. For the second straight season, though, the Vikings are left with a decision about how they move forward.
Mattison was cut last offseason and went on to have a middling season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones came in and had both the healthiest and most productive season of his career. Despite being an eight-year veteran, his 1,138 yards set a new career high. He didn’t find the end zone much and struggled close to the goal line, but plenty of that reflected Minnesota’s interior offensive line.
Now, in offseason mode, the Vikings need to find answers yet again. Jones is a free agent, and so is veteran Cam Akers. Minnesota has traded for the backup in consecutive seasons, but he opted to sign with Houston before returning. That leaves only Ty Chandler among running backs with real game action on the roster.
After having a level of consistency as Minnesota moved from Adrian Peterson to Dalvin Cook, there has not been a significant stretch for anyone out of the backfield. Jones could represent an option to return, but even if he does so, it would likely be on another one-year deal.
It seems unlikely the Vikings would sign a significant running back contract. Although that worked for teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers, it isn’t exactly a style this regime has embraced.
Minnesota’s most likely outcome is to draft a talent that catches their eye. Given their success this season, they won’t be able to draft Ashton Jeanty. However, there are other options at the position, and they could be had with middle-round picks. Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah must decide which outcome makes the most sense.
No matter what, the running back position will need to be solved in the year ahead.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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