Vikings Face Big Decision at Running Back
It seems like a broken record: the Vikings need to improve their run game, a statement said every year since Kevin O’Connell became the team’s head coach. To still be saying it four years in is disappointing, and that’s why O’Connell gets accused of neglecting that side of his offense.
How the Vikings Should Address the Running Back Position this Offseason
Minnesota has already addressed one part of the rushing attack game plan with the appointment of a new offensive line coach and an assistant OL coach, but I will get to that in my article on how the Vikings should address the offensive line this offseason. While hoping the OL will provide better running lanes for their back, the Vikings have a big decision to make at the position.
At 32, Aaron Jones is considered very old for the position, with most backs struggling to stay in the league past 30 these days. At $14.55 million against the salary cap in 2026, he has a huge cap hit for the position this season.
Needing to make significant savings to become cap compliant, the Vikings can save $7.7 million by releasing Jones. Not only has Jones provided the Vikings with a spark to their offense, but also provided great leadership in the locker room. He will be a big character to replace, but the time has come to say thank you and goodbye.
Can Jordan Mason be the RB1?
The Vikings traded for Jordan Mason last March, after Mason had proved he could be effective when spelling for the injured Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco. He continued to be effective in Minnesota and beat Jones in rushing yards (768), rushing touchdowns (6), and yards per carry (4.8).
The Vikings should be reasonably confident that Mason can provide them with at least a solid rushing attack if they proceed with him as the RB1. He had started 11 games over the last two seasons and proved he can carry a heavy workload: 16 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the 48–10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals was the highlight of his first season in Minnesota.
Rounding Out the Rest of the RB Room
If the Vikings do proceed with Mason as RB1, as I think they should, what should the rest of the RB room look like? At the moment, O’Connell has a blank canvas to work with — behind Mason, with Ty Chander and Zavier Scott as free agents, and long-time fullback CJ Ham retired.
He could look at another veteran in free agency to team with Mason, like a Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, or Javonte Williams — but I’d rather not be spending whatever money is available for free agency at RB.
The draft is the place to look, and while acquiring the one star RB of this draft cycle – Jeremiyah Love – is unlikely, and in my opinion, inadvisable. There are plenty of options on Day 2 and Day 3 to look at. With three draft picks available to the Vikings on Day 2, they should be in a good position to pick up somebody like Jadarian Price, Jonah Coleman, or Emmett Johnson. They could also look for more depth on Day 3 and/or when it comes time to sign undrafted free agents.
It will be interesting to see whether O’Connell considers bringing in a fullback, or if that position in his offense dies with Ham’s retirement. A few names to look out for in this draft cycle that could take on that role are Max Bredeson and Eli Heidenreich.
Ultimately, it’s Mason surrounded by a cast of rookies, and maybe a cheap veteran to add a bit of experience.
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