Top RBs the Vikings Could Sign after NFL Roster Cuts

Chargers RB Kimani Vidal in the 2025 preseason.
Jul 31, 2025; Canton, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (30) runs in the second half against the Detroit Lions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings will showcase two prominent running backs at the top of the ticket in 2025: Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.

The best RBs the Vikings could sign after roster cuts, including intriguing free-agent options who might bolster Minnesota’s backfield depth in 2025.

After those veterans, Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott are slated for clean-up duty, though fans aren’t too sure if either player will stick around for the long haul. Why? Well, Minnesota could scoop a new RB3 off the waiver wire this week.

NFL teams cut rosters from 90 players to 53, instantly dropping dozens of halfbacks onto the open market.

If Minnesota wants one of those freshly dropped tailbacks, these are the best options, ranked from bottom to top (No. 1 = best RB the Vikings can target from the waiver wire).

Vikings’ Best RB Options Following Roster Cuts

These RB3 options could move the needle for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Jeff Wilson Jr. runs the ball for the Dolphins against the Ravens.
Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (23) carries the football during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec 31, 2023, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Wilson worked between the tackles as Miami tried to rally late, but the Ravens secured a 56-19 victory. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports.

8. Jeff Wilson

The long-time San Francisco 49er and Miami Dolphin needs work, and all things considered, Kevin O’Connell’s offense is similar to Kyle Shanahan’s.

Wilson’s production has slowed in recent years, mainly due to injuries, but he’s a credible RB3 who might be more enticing than Chandler or Scott. He was also attached to the 49ers’ roster when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah worked there.

7. Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Mostly known for his 1st-Round draft stock in 2020, Edwards-Helaire has never lived up to the billing. Kansas City cut him loose after 2023, and he’s done basically nothing since.

He is, however, a decent pass-blocking tailback, which could turn the heads of Minnesota’s front office and coaching staff.

6. Blake Watson

Blake Watson runs in for a Memphis touchdown vs. Bethune-Cookman.
Memphis Tigers running back Blake Watson (4) scores a touchdown against Bethune-Cookman University on Sep 2, 2023, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. Watson crossed the goal line in the first half as Memphis opened its season with a decisive win. © Chris Day-The Commercial Appeal-USA TODAY NETWORK.

In 2023, Watson logged 1,632 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns at the University of Memphis. He had the unfortunate outcome of landing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted rookie, a team stuffed to the gills with unsung RB talent.

Now, Watson is available, and the Vikings could put his 4.39 speed to work.

5. Cam Akers

Minnesota has traded for this man in back-to-back seasons. They love him. A team has to love a player to trade for him twice. Akers didn’t make the cut on the New Orleans Saints’ roster this week, failing to oust Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and Devin Neal from their jobs.

To spare themselves the hardship of trading for Akers in September or October, Minnesota can merely sign Akers today. Easy peasy.

4. Kimani Vidal

Kimani Vidal before the Chargers’ game against the Patriots.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (30) prepares on the field before the matchup with the New England Patriots on Dec 28, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Vidal warmed up ahead of the late-season road contest in the AFC clash. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images.

Everybody’s deep sleeper Dynasty Fantasy Football pick from last year only logged 3.6 yards per carry as a rookie. Then, when the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Omarion Hampton, Vidal became expendable.

Still, Vidal tabulated 1,862 yards from scrimmage at 15 total touchdowns at Troy in 2023. He should be on some team’s roster as an RB3 or RB4.

3. Khalil Herbert

This 27-year-old former Chicago Bear averages 4.8 yards per carry in his career, and as of August 26th, nobody wanted him. His malfunction? Inconsistent pass protection, which could sink the chances of a Minnesota relationship.

CBS Sports on Herbert: “The 2021 sixth-rounder logged seven carries for 29 yards and a touchdown in the Colts’ preseason opener against the Ravens, but he suffered an undisclosed injury during that game that forced him to miss Indianapolis’ final two exhibition contests.”

“The fact that Herbert wasn’t waived with an injury designation indicates he’s healthy, so he should garner plenty of interest from a team looking to solidify its backfield depth.”

2. Audric Estime

Audric Estime hurdles Clark Phillips III during Broncos vs. Falcons. Estime could be an RB option for the Vikings after roster cuts.
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (23) leaps over Atlanta Falcons cornerback Clark Phillips III (22) during the second half on Nov 17, 2024, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Estime showcased athleticism as he hurdled the defender in the AFC-NFC showdown. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.

Estime is 21 years old. He’s basically a rookie in his second season. Like Watson, mentioned above, the Broncos had only a limited amount of room on their roster for running backs after signing J.K. Dobbins and drafting R.J. Harvey.

The Notre Dame alumnus isn’t a speedster, but his 5’11” 230-pound frame could help solve Minnesota’s redzone rushing offense problem.

Broncos Wire‘s Joe Heath wrote about Estime this week: “Estime (5-11, 227 pounds) was picked by the Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Notre Dame. He dressed for 13 games as a rookie, rushing 76 times for 310 yards and two touchdowns while adding five receptions for 27 yards as a receiver out of the backfield.”

“Denver added veteran J.K. Dobbins during free agency this spring and they used a second-round draft pick to select RJ Harvey. The Broncos appear set to go into the 2025 season with Dobbins, Harvey, Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin handling the backfield duties, making Estime expendable. If he clears waivers on Wednesday morning, Estime could potentially return on the practice squad, but the 21-year-old running back will likely draw interest from several clubs seeking more depth at running back.”

1. Damien Martinez

By far the most attractive candidate on this list — and probably every NFL team’s post-roster-cut radar — Seattle cut Martinez loose on Tuesday. He was a 7th-Round pick four months ago.

Martinez notched 3,169 rushing yards in 38 collegiate games at the University of Miami and Oregon State. He’s a power back, and the Vikings have lacked such runners for a few years.

The only setback? Martinez must fall 24 spots on the waiver wire to reach Minnesota. Not ideal.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker