6 Running Backs for Vikings to Target in Free Agency

Dustin Baker |

Jan 27, 2025

Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings have 25 players slated to hit free agency in six weeks, including running backs Aaron Jones and Cam Akers.

6 RBs to Consider for Vikings Free Agency

The franchise may or may not re-sign Jones or Akers, while the 2025 NFL Draft will be stuffed to the gills with rookie runners.

And with free agency 42 days away, these are six free-agent-to-be running backs to consider for Minnesota, listed in alphabetical order if the Vikings do not re-sign Jones or Akers.

1. J.K. Dobbins

Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images.

Age: 26
Yards per Carry | 2024: 4.6

After an injury-riddled start to his career — like four seasons — Dobbins reemerged in 2024, solidifying the Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield, a team that reached the postseason under head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Dobbins produced his best career season in 2024, although — you guessed it — he missed four games due to injury. All told, he banked about 80 yards from scrimmage per game.

2. Rico Dowdle

Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.

Age: 26
Yards per Carry | 2024: 4.6

The Dallas Cowboys dinked around early in the season, skittish about allotting Dowdle a full-time RB1 workload. They stubbornly clung to Ezekiel Elliott, which did not work, but when Dowdle eventually got the rock, he excelled.

He quietly tabulated over 1,300 yards from scrimmage.

3. Najee Harris

Vikings Free Agency — Oct 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball Denver Broncos cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the third quarter against at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 26
Yards per Carry | 2024: 4.0

Harris has never made headlines as an overly dynamic halfback, mix-and-matching offensive touches with a player further down on this list for the last few seasons.

But he’s consistent, notching over 1,200 yards from scrimmage since turning pro in 2021.

4. Jordan Mason

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) talks with ESPN’s John Sutcliffe on Monday Night Football after the win against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images.

Age: 25
Yards per Carry | 2024: 5.2

If you play fantasy football and drafted Christian McCaffrey last summer, well, this man probably kept your season afloat.

Mason filled in beautifully for McCaffrey before encountering his own injury late in the regular season. He’d be a player to feature in a running back by committee if Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah uses notable draft capital to select a rookie running back.

5. Jaylen Warren

Oct 13, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) looks to evade the tackle attempt of Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images.

Age: 26
Yards per Carry | 2024: 4.3

Warren might be the most intriguing name on this list — because he does it all.

His problem? He’s been stuck behind Najee Harris on the Steelers’ depth chart for the last three seasons. A fun fact about Warren? He’s never officially started a game in the NFL. It might be time.

6. Javonte Williams

Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) carries against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 24
Yards per Carry | 2024: 3.7

The Broncos allocate touches to running backs with more equity than most. Williams can probably handle an RB1 workload for a new team in 2025, but Denver loves to spread the carries around to players like Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Tyler Badie.

Williams was the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s one of the best pass-blocking halfbacks in the sport, a trait the Vikings prefer.

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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. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.