Electric Free Agent Could End Up with Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have invested mucho dinero this season and next in veteran running backs — but why not more? That’s the recent theory from Bleacher Report, a website that tossed Minnesota on a shortlist for running back Breece Hall’s services in 2026.
Minnesota has lived in the veteran-back aisle, but Hall is the rare “pay for it” option who could actually tilt O’Connell’s offense and lighten the load.
Hall will presumably hit free agency in March, not expected to return to the lowly New York Jets. The Vikings could apparently be a suitor.
Breece Hall Would Be a True Offensive Upgrade for Minnesota, Albeit Spendy
Hall to the Vikings grows little legs some three months before the start of free agency.
The Hall Theory from Bleacher Report
It’s out there in the world, courtesy of Alex Kay. At least in theory, Hall to Minnesota is a thing.
Kay explained this week, “Although Jordan Mason has fared well when called upon, he’s logged just 10 starts across his first 59 professional games. He’s also struggled with health when taking on heavier workloads.”
“After a fast start to the 2024 season, he was limited by various injuries and ultimately wound up on the IR for the final five games. That’s not what a team wants to see in a potential lead back, a concern that could lead Minnesota to make a run at a surer option in Hall. Despite a torn ACL that derailed the back half of an Offensive Rookie of the Year-worthy season, availability has been one of Hall’s strong suits.”
Hall was actually linked, although casually, to the Vikings before the NFL trade deadline last month when the Jets held their fire sale.
Kay added, “He returned from that knee injury in rapid fashion and went on appear in all 17 games the following season. He only missed one contest last year and has remained healthy throughout the current campaign.”
“That combination of skill and availability is rare in the modern NFL, making Hall a fantastic choice for the Vikings (or any other RB-needy squad) to target in free agency.”
Money Tied Up in Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason
In 2026, the Vikings will have over $20 million tied up in running backs’ salaries — mainly Jones and Mason.
Those two players have produced efficiently in 2025, but they are not game-changers. They’re basically decent halfbacks, and not much more. The working theory in signing Hall would be marked improvement.
Hall has been stuck in a lousy offensive situation with the Jets, and few dispute it. His next team will sign him and hope that his once-promising scouting report will blossom with a change of scenery. And according to Bleacher Report, Minnesota is one of those spots.
But does general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have the funds to pay a running back like Hall around $15 million per season? Probably not. Unless he firmly believes in Hall and cuts ties with a player like Jones.
Hall’s Production
Hall has not struggled in the NFL. If anyone tells you that, they’re not informed.
These are his yards from scrimmage + TD totals since turning pro in 2022:
- 2022: 681 yds | 5 TDs
- 2023: 1,585 yds | 9 TDs
- 2024: 1,359 yds | 8 TDs
- 2025: 1,223 yds | 4 TDs
These are not absolutely elite statistics, but the blueprint for sustainable production is evident.
Hall, indeed, likely just needs a creative offense, and maybe even consistent quarterback performance to thrive.
Why Not a Rookie RB?
Otherwise, if not Hall — let’s face it: Minnesota does not have much free-agent money in 2026 for luxurious additions — it’s time for a rookie.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love will be the first tailback off the board in April. Conveniently, the Vikings’ draft position might align perfectly to nab him. And, of course, any rookie tailback will be affordable for the next 4-5 years.
Other runners, like Jonah Coleman (Washington) and Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), will be available, probably after Round 1. Generally speaking, a rookie running back makes more sense for Minnesota than Hall or his expensive free-agent peers.
More from Kay on Hall to Vikings
Kay also noted on his Vikings theory for Hall, “The running back spot hasn’t been a glaring issue for the 2025 version of the Vikings, but it hasn’t exactly been a strength for the club, either. With starting back Aaron Jones on the wrong side of 30 and having missed a third of the campaign after starting all 17 contests in 2024, there’s a decent chance Minnesota moves on during the offseason.”
“The team would save over $7 million with the cut and has Jordan Mason is waiting in the wings to help soften the blow. Mason was a notable acquisition for the Vikings on the trade market this past offseason, and the team has received a decent return on its investment. With 659 yards and six scores on 143 carries through 14 games, he has proved himself to be one of the league’s better depth backs.”
Other free-agent destination for Hall, according to Kay? The Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and New Orleans Saints.
Hall will turn 25 this offseason.
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