Vikings Finally Have Their Chance to Grab a Rookie RB
The Minnesota Vikings didn’t draft any rookie running backs in April — much to some fans’ chagrin — but they could snag one from the waiver wire this week.
The Vikings have their opportunity to grab a rookie running back after a surprise roster move opened the door. Here’s why the timing could be perfect.
How? Well, with too many productive RB options in-house, the Seattle Seahawks dropped first-year runner Damien Martinez this week, who will instantly command waiver-wire attention.
It’s the Vikings’ best chance to get in on the rookie RB sweepstakes for a notable talent.
The Vikings’ Rookie RB Opportunity Just Arrived
Minnesota can sniff around Martinez’s sudden availability if it’s in the mood.
Seahawks Drop Rookie RB Damien Martinez
CBS Sports‘ Matt Zenitz broke the news Tuesday, “The Seahawks are releasing running back Damien Martinez, sources tell CBS Sports. Was a seventh-round draft pick in April. Ran for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns last year at Miami.”
Others chimed in that Seattle would like Martinez back on the 2025 practice squad, but he must first clear waivers. And based on his high upside, that may be a long shot.
Why the Vikings Could Pounce
Despite widespread consensus that Minnesota would draft a rookie running back — the class was abnormally deep — general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did no such thing. In fact, the only rookie tailback he onboarded was a little-known runner named Tre Stewart, who has already been released amid summer roster cuts.
Behind Aaron Jones at RB1 and Jordan Mason at RB2, Minnesota could stand to utilize a hungry young running back, especially one with an impressive college resume — like Martinez. The Miami alumnus produced 3,169 rushing yards in 38 collegiate games, in addition to 391 receiving yards.
He also totaled 26 touchdowns in three seasons at Miami and Oregon State. Martinez is 6’1″ and 217 pounds, with 4.51 speed. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Martinez to D’Onta Foreman before the 2025 NFL Draft.
The RB3 Situation Otherwise
If the Vikings can’t steal Martinez from the waiver wire, don’t sign any additional free-agent RBs, and fire off no RB trades, the club would roll with Ty Chandler or Zavier Scott this season.
Chandler enters the final year of his contract and could be a roster cut casualty on Tuesday afternoon. Stay tuned. Scott authored a noteworthy training camp and preseason, with all signs pointing toward him for the 53-man roster.
Still, most would argue that Martinez’s talent surpasses that of Chandler and Scott.
Martinez’s Scouting Report
NFL Draft Buzz‘s Felix Green on Martinez: “Martinez thrives in downhill, gap-scheme offenses where his patience, vision, and punishing running style create maximum impact. Watching his tape reveals a back who understands how to set up blocks and exploit defensive overcommitment — a trait that translates well to the NFL level. His deliberate approach behind the line before exploding through holes showcases an advanced understanding of timing and tempo that belies his age, though he still has considerable room to grow as a receiving threat.”
“The power element he brings stands out in a league increasingly drifting toward specialized roles. Martinez can be the tone-setter who punishes defenses in the fourth quarter when tackling technique deteriorates.”
More on Martinez
12th Man Rising‘s Jacob Harrison foreshadowed Martinez’s roster cut last week and believed he could end up in Houston.
He explained, “As Seahawks reporter Corbin K. Smith pointed out on X, the Houston Texans are a likely team to pursue a talent like Martinez to shore up the depth in their running back room. The Texans’ primary starter, Joe Mixon, is set to miss at least the first four weeks of the regular season with a foot injury, leaving Houston with just Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and Dare Ogunbawale as its primary options.”
“Fourth-rounder Woody Marks has been impressive and should steal a roster spot, too, but without much trust in the injury and/or production history of each player, Houston makes a ton of sense as a possible landing spot for Martinez if things don’t pan out in Seattle as the cuts come down.”
It’s worth noting, no matter what, Martinez will land on his feet.
“Martinez showed promise early in training camp, particularly in pass protection. But ultimately, his production was rather lackluster, especially compared to Holani. But that’s why it’s always difficult to know what to do with players in Martinez’s position. He’s likely a practice-squad-level player at this point, but any team like Houston with an immediate need for depth could swoop in and pick him up if that’s where he lands,” Harrison continued.
“Nonetheless, Seattle has a tough decision to make regarding their late draft investment on Martinez: make room, or potentially watch him move on to somewhere else.”
The Vikings live in the 24th spot on the waiver wire because of last year’s 14-3 record and one-and-done playoff showing. Martinez may not fall that far, but some will dream.
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