This offseason the Minnesota Vikings will need to address their running back position. After having a consistent level of stability for years, that appears to be in jeopardy. They don’t have another version of Robert Smith, Adrian Peterson, or Dalvin Cook. Both Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are free agents.
The Vikings Need a RB at the Perfect Time
With only Ty Chandler left as a legitimate option on the roster, Kevin O’Connell’s offense will need another answer. The Vikings are expected to turn the quarterback position over to J.J. McCarthy. That’s all fine and well, but he needs a strong supporting cast. He has that at wide receiver but needs someone in the backfield.
There are legitimate free-agent options. The Vikings could opt to bring back either Jones or Akers if they wanted to. Someone like Najee Harris also makes a good deal of sense. That said, the draft might be an absolute gold mine.
Of course, Ashton Jeanty is the top name on the board, but he’s unlikely to be available when Minnesota makes their pick. If he is, serious consideration should be given to his services. If not, the draft couldn’t be more rich with talent. A player like Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson could move the needle, too.
The running back position has never been less valued at the professional level. It’s a passing league now, and quarterbacks get paid alongside wide receivers and tight ends. That doesn’t mean the importance of a strong running back can be overlooked.
Just last year we saw both Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry switch teams. Each has veteran status in the league, and they joined new teams only to look like the most dominant versions of themselves. The Eagles are about to play for a Super Bowl, and the Ravens offense hit new heights with Henry in it.
Minnesota can’t afford to set up the offense without a great answer at the running back position.
There are plenty of places they could turn, making the blueprint for their issue much more manageable.
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.