With history behind them, Minnesota has had a storied run of great running backs to lean on during their franchise. From Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook to Robert Smith and Chuck Foreman, Minnesota typically has an impressive run game. After a down year in 2023, how will Kwesi and the company address the lack of production on the ground? The draft may hold younger options, but free agency has a handful of exciting names to look towards. Who are they? Minnesota could bring five free-agent RBs in this offseason to remedy their backfield.
Swing big on Josh Jacobs.
With big-name free agents RBs having trouble finding landing places in the NFL, Minnesota may look to swing big on this position to solidify it for years. Who could they bring in this offseason, though? As many might speculate, Barkley (possibly) or Pollard (hope not), Raiders back Josh Jacobs may be a better fit for Minnesota. Drafted 24th overall in 2019, the former first-rounder is second in rushing yards since 2019 (Derrick Henry 7,209, Jacobs 5,545). Additionally, he led the league in rushing in 2022. Jacobs is a do-it-all back and could be everything Minnesota lacked this past season. Jacobs has averaged 1,100 rushing yards a season in five seasons, nine rushing touchdowns, and nearly 300 receiving yards. For Minnesota, the presence of a back like Jacobs would bode well for whoever is slinging the football in 2024.
What about Barkley? Barkley could also be a target (especially if Jacobs is tagged again). However, Jacobs has 300 fewer carries and longer sustained success in his professional career. Though both could be valuable, Jacobs seems like the better floor and consistency play, which may be what Minnesota swings for. Adding Jacobs would be a hefty price tag, so this may be out of reach.
Pair Ty Chandler with Derrick Henry
Another big-name free agent that may be in Minnesota’s crosshairs is Derrick Henry. The 8-year All-Pro is set to leave Tennessee and become a free agent for the first time. In his Titan’s tenure, Henry rushed for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns on over 2,000 attempts. At 30 years old, the tyre treads have been kicked. However, even into his eighth season, Henry was practical and valuable. As both a rusher and a receiver, Henry maintained valuable efficiency. Henry may be the perfect back for Minnesota to pair with emerging RB Ty Chandler for a thunder-and-lightning duo. Where Henry runs with power, Chandler is a bit shiftier. While Chandler continues developing in pass pro, Henry has become more valuable and comfortable. Where Chandler develops and continues to increase his carry count, Henry will slow down at some point (maybe). The two pair well. Teams usually are not looking to sign big-ticket free-agent RBs after 30 (or at all), but Henry may be an exception.
Resign Cam Akers to compete with/ Chandler (and a rookie)
If Minnesota decides they don’t want to push funds towards the free agents RBs, they could look to bring back Cam Akers to compete with Ty Chandler. This ultimately may be the cheapest option. The former Ram was an early-season acquisition. Though the stats don’t look overly impressive, he was the better back when he played before the injury. Whether catching balls out of the backfield, running with power, finding holes, or making plays, he was overall a better back than Mattison. To pair with Akers, Minnesota would look towards Ty Chandler. Since week 10 of the 2023 campaign, Chandler grew in his role with the Vikings. On 92 carriers, he racked up 419 yards on the ground, 116 yards through the air, and three touchdowns. Those numbers may not be great for a focal point, but Chandler and Akers complement each other well. That said, Vikings fans might have an aneurysm if the backfield for 2024 is Akers/Chandler.
Add budget options in Antonio Gibson and Zack Moss (w/ a Rookie)
If the Vikings want to go for more of a budget route, look no further than Antonio Gibson and Zack Moss. Both could be lead backs but different in acquisition reason; where Moss just had a career year, Gibson would be an upside bet. To start, Moss is coming off a year where he saw time as Indianapolis’ lead back. He rushed for 589 yards and five touchdowns in seven games as a starter. Tack on 123 receiving yards, and Moss was on track for 1,700 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns. For Minnesota, Moss improves a tragic backfield.
Additionally, the 26-year-old back would come at a cheaper price tag but still cost a bit. On the flip side, Gibson needs a change of scenery. For a back who compiled 2,300 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns in his first two seasons, his final two years in Washington were, let’s say, stagnate. The reality is Gibson may not be a three-down back. However, for all the free-agent RBs hitting the market, he may have the highest upside for any team. Given their cap crunch, the bang for the buck would be ideal for Minnesota.