2026 Free Agency and Draft: RB

[quote="MaroonBells" pid="269841" dateline="1772469241"]

I don't agree with Siefert on this at all. I think the Vikings will more likely add a free agent back than one from the draft. Maybe even one from each, because the Vikings need a starter on day one, and they need numbers. 

Ty Chandler is a free agent. Ham is retired. Jordan Mason is a RB2 and Zavier Scott is an undrafted free agent. No matter who the Vikings add at QB, a big part of their success (or failure) is going to be connected to how well we run the ball. 

Unless we somehow get lucky with Love, the rookie back we bring in will be a day two pick at best. Can you count on that guy? I'm gonna say no. Tre Henderson was a phenomenal prospect—uber successful, big program, loves to pass block, goes early on day two, but doesn't start for the Pats until week 9, because he couldn't be trusted to—wait for it—pass block. 

No, the Vikings should've taken their back last year. Now they need to cover for that in free agency.
[/quote]

I really don't think Kevin has any kind of pulse on the team....at all....so you could be right. But its an alternative. The problem is you don't know how the Draft is going to go down and if you wait until AFTER the Draft, you'll probably be looking at a bare FA RB cupboard.

Currently, Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are under contract after Mason was acquired via trade with the 49ers last March to serve as a complement to Jones, and he signed a two-year deal worth up to $12 million.

But Jones, 31, is being considered a candidate to be released as the Vikings look to free up cap space. Letting the veteran go would save them $7.75 million; the Vikings are currently $43 million over the cap limit.

There are suitable options in the draft, though most aren’t considered top-50 prospects. As second- or third-day picks, these running backs might need more development time before taking on a significant pro workload.

That means the Vikings will likely have to add someone in free agency if Jones is indeed released, either to pair with Mason or to be his backup. Who they choose could indicate whether they view Mason as capable of being a lead back, a role he hasn’t held in his career. He backed up Christian McCaffrey while in San Francisco, but did start six games in 2024 while McCaffrey was injured.

Mason led the Vikings with 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries last season, while Jones, who missed five games because of varying injuries, rushed for 548 yards and two touchdowns on 132 carries.

The Vikings have not ranked in the top half of the league in rushing yards since Kevin O’Connell took over as coach. As questions surrounding the quarterback room continue, investment in the running back room makes sense to make sure there can be a balanced or even run-heavier offensive attack if necessary.

Current roster: Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones Sr.
Free agents: Ty Chandler, Zavier Scott
Current salary cap invested: $20.34 million (2nd in NFL)

Free agents to watch
Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks): The Seahawks didn’t franchise tag Walker, the Super Bowl LX MVP, and he’s set to become a free agent with the expiration of his rookie contract. Walker hasn’t always been the most consistent back for Seattle, who used him in tandem with Zach Charbonnet, but he is explosive. He had 33 rushes over 10 yards in 2025, averaging 4.6 yards per carry en route to 1,027 total on the season. Walker isn’t likely to land with the Vikings but taking a swing on the 25-year-old MVP if the pitch is thrown feels like a no-brainer.

Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers): Gainwell, 26, dropped 99 yards on the Vikings in Dublin in October, barely missing out on joining four other running backs to hit the century rushing park against them. He played mostly as a fill-in for Jaylen Warren and may be looking for a bigger role than the Vikings can offer with Mason still rostered. Gainwell finished with 537 yards and five touchdowns on 114 attempts; he appeared in all 17 games but only started two, including the Steelers’ victory over the Vikings.

Rico Dowdle (Panthers): Dowdle posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025. He was on a one-year deal with the Panthers after not re-signing with the Cowboys following a breakout 2024 season. Dowdle, 27, finished with a career high (by one) 236 carries for 1,076 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Panthers as they made their first playoff appearance since 2017. Dowdle also has experience returning kicks and could add depth there for the Vikings.

Kimani Vidal (Chargers): Vidal, like Gainwell, might have caught the Vikings’ attention when he rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown against them in October. At 24, he is younger than the other options listed here and has not been a lead back, so he might be more comfortable in a situation where he would likely be asked to split reps. Vidal led the Chargers with 643 yards on 155 carries with Najee Harris injured; rookie Omarion Hampton split reps with him and finished with 545 yards on 124 carries. Vidal is an exclusive rights free agent, meaning the Chargers could sign him to a one-year, league-minimum deal to retain him; if they don’t, Vidal becomes an unrestricted free agent.

STRIB

purplefaithful wrote:
Currently, Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are under contract after Mason was acquired via trade with the 49ers last March to serve as a complement to Jones, and he signed a two-year deal worth up to $12 million.

But Jones, 31, is being considered a candidate to be released as the Vikings look to free up cap space. Letting the veteran go would save them $7.75 million; the Vikings are currently $43 million over the cap limit.

There are suitable options in the draft, though most aren’t considered top-50 prospects. As second- or third-day picks, these running backs might need more development time before taking on a significant pro workload.

That means the Vikings will likely have to add someone in free agency if Jones is indeed released, either to pair with Mason or to be his backup. Who they choose could indicate whether they view Mason as capable of being a lead back, a role he hasn’t held in his career. He backed up Christian McCaffrey while in San Francisco, but did start six games in 2024 while McCaffrey was injured.

Mason led the Vikings with 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries last season, while Jones, who missed five games because of varying injuries, rushed for 548 yards and two touchdowns on 132 carries.

The Vikings have not ranked in the top half of the league in rushing yards since Kevin O’Connell took over as coach. As questions surrounding the quarterback room continue, investment in the running back room makes sense to make sure there can be a balanced or even run-heavier offensive attack if necessary.

Current roster: Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones Sr.
Free agents: Ty Chandler, Zavier Scott
Current salary cap invested: $20.34 million (2nd in NFL)

Free agents to watch
Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks): The Seahawks didn’t franchise tag Walker, the Super Bowl LX MVP, and he’s set to become a free agent with the expiration of his rookie contract. Walker hasn’t always been the most consistent back for Seattle, who used him in tandem with Zach Charbonnet, but he is explosive. He had 33 rushes over 10 yards in 2025, averaging 4.6 yards per carry en route to 1,027 total on the season. Walker isn’t likely to land with the Vikings but taking a swing on the 25-year-old MVP if the pitch is thrown feels like a no-brainer.

Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers): Gainwell, 26, dropped 99 yards on the Vikings in Dublin in October, barely missing out on joining four other running backs to hit the century rushing park against them. He played mostly as a fill-in for Jaylen Warren and may be looking for a bigger role than the Vikings can offer with Mason still rostered. Gainwell finished with 537 yards and five touchdowns on 114 attempts; he appeared in all 17 games but only started two, including the Steelers’ victory over the Vikings.

Rico Dowdle (Panthers): Dowdle posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025. He was on a one-year deal with the Panthers after not re-signing with the Cowboys following a breakout 2024 season. Dowdle, 27, finished with a career high (by one) 236 carries for 1,076 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Panthers as they made their first playoff appearance since 2017. Dowdle also has experience returning kicks and could add depth there for the Vikings.

Kimani Vidal (Chargers): Vidal, like Gainwell, might have caught the Vikings’ attention when he rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown against them in October. At 24, he is younger than the other options listed here and has not been a lead back, so he might be more comfortable in a situation where he would likely be asked to split reps. Vidal led the Chargers with 643 yards on 155 carries with Najee Harris injured; rookie Omarion Hampton split reps with him and finished with 545 yards on 124 carries. Vidal is an exclusive rights free agent, meaning the Chargers could sign him to a one-year, league-minimum deal to retain him; if they don’t, Vidal becomes an unrestricted free agent.

STRIB

Weird they don't mention Etienne.

MaroonBells wrote:

Weird they don't mention Etienne.

Or the kid from The Jets....

I think filling RB1 for the Vikings will not be easy this year and that RB room is pretty empty imo. Would not surprise me if olde man Jones is brought back again for some depth.

KAM screwed the pooch not grabbing one in a deep 25 draft.

purplefaithful wrote:

Or the kid from The Jets....

I think filling RB1 for the Vikings will not be easy this year and that RB room is pretty empty imo. Would not surprise me if olde man Jones is brought back again for some depth.

KAM screwed the pooch not grabbing one in a deep 25 draft.

Jets franchised Breece Hall. He's out. There's now Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, several mid backs and the draft. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson is going to look good to the Vikings given his zone experience and 3rd round (ish) value. I have some issues with him, but if we don't have a back by the end of day two, we may be in trouble. 

I was as puzzled as you when the Vikings did not pull a back from last year's draft. Especially with that 3rd rounder. Both Tuten and Skattebo were on the board and we drafted a receiver I hadn't even heard of. I know he was loved by McCardell, so he was likely high on our board at that time. He may be All Pro for all I know, but the decision to go with the next WR on the board over the next RB on the board was a curious decision. And yes, that was likely KAM's decision.

MaroonBells wrote:

Jets franchised Breece Hall. He's out. There's now Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, several mid backs and the draft. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson is going to look good to the Vikings given his zone experience and 3rd round (ish) value. I have some issues with him, but if we don't have a back by the end of day two, we may be in trouble. 

I was as puzzled as you when the Vikings did not pull a back from last year's draft. Especially with that 3rd rounder. Both Tuten and Skattebo were on the board and we drafted a receiver I hadn't even heard of. I know he was loved by McCardell, so he was likely high on our board at that time. He may be All Pro for all I know, but the decision to go with the next WR on the board over the next RB on the board was a curious decision. And yes, that was likely KAM's decision.

I didnt realize Hall was out...Too bad and I'm not sure how interested they are in Walker or Etienne and the $$ they will get on the mkt.

StickierBuns wrote:
I'd still love for Minnesota to draft Nick Singleton. Bigger dude with some explosion. I think his traits translate really well to the NFL. How about a round 2 pick on this guy? Oh and he can pick up the blitz in pass protect.

Yuppers...

They need to draft a quality back...I just dont think we can expect a rook to contribute on all 3 downs for a while. Which is why I'd like to sign a good FA tail-back too.

StickierBuns wrote:

Don't forget about Jordan Mason.

RB 1b ;)

I think he'll be the only one in the RB room if they dont sign some friends for him!

Source: Texans released RB Joe Mixon.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026

Vikings hired Miami's OC, remember #FullbacksForever https://t.co/8gLsR25jJs

— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) March 6, 2026

I'd still love for Minnesota to draft Nick Singleton. Bigger dude with some explosion. I think his traits translate really well to the NFL. How about a round 2 pick on this guy? Oh and he can pick up the blitz in pass protect.

[quote="purplefaithful" pid="270129" dateline="1772819775"]

Yuppers...

They need to draft a quality back...I just dont think we can expect a rook to contribute on all 3 downs for a while. Which is why I'd like to sign a good FA tail-back too.
[/quote]

Don't forget about Jordan Mason.

If you want to look at a nice hybrid fullback/H-back for the offense that can be had for either a 7th or an UDFA contract, snag this dude:

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/max-bredeson/32004252-4506-0106-e9c0-99700da8edba

6'2", 252 lbs. Former 2-time captain. Also will clean up on special teams. You obviously don't want to spend much or any draft capital on FBs, so Max would be perfect if they want another CJ Ham role for somebody.
[hr]
p.s. Looks like Breece Hall is going to resign with the Jets on a big extension. Take him off the list.

StickierBuns wrote:
If you want to look at a nice hybrid fullback/H-back for the offense that can be had for either a 7th or an UDFA contract, snag this dude:

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/max-bredeson/32004252-4506-0106-e9c0-99700da8edba

6'2", 252 lbs. Former 2-time captain. Also will clean up on special teams. You obviously don't want to spend much or any draft capital on FBs, so Max would be perfect if they want another CJ Ham role for somebody.

I watched Bredeson a couple weeks ago. Like the Vikings with Ham, Michigan used Bredeson all over the field in both run and pass blocking. I like that about him. My concern would be his ability to catch passes. Ham didn't catch a ton of passes, but he was good when he did. Bredeson had 2 catches last season. And am I reading this right? Zero rushing attempts over five seasons?

Over-rated: Travis Etienne Jr., RB

Etienne improved in what might have been his final season in Jacksonville, delivering 1,103 rushing yards at 4.3 yards per carry over 17 games and finishing with 44 rush yards over expected, per NFL Next Gen Stats. It's good that the last number was positive, but Etienne was negative in that category the two prior seasons -- with minus-77 RYOE in 2023 and minus-43 in 2024 (to be fair, he had a huge plus-231 in 2022).

Paying a high-cost contract to a running back who hasn't consistently been able to get what is blocked for him is not advisable unless that back delivers in a major way in a different area. But Etienne doesn't.

While he had six receiving touchdowns last season, his 36 receptions for 292 yards weren't prolific. And critically, the Jaguars put Etienne on the field on third-and-7-plus plays only 6% of the time, which shows what they thought of him on passing downs.

ESPN

[quote="MaroonBells" pid="270224" dateline="1772901851"]

I watched Bredeson a couple weeks ago. Like the Vikings with Ham, Michigan used Bredeson all over the field in both run and pass blocking. I like that about him. My concern would be his ability to catch passes. Ham didn't catch a ton of passes, but he was good when he did. Bredeson had 2 catches last season. And am I reading this right? Zero rushing attempts over five seasons?
[/quote]

Yeah, he's got like 10 or 11 career catches at Michigan....56 yards against Hawaii in 2022! ;)  Zero rushing attempts, elite blocker. He can catch, but not many attempts for a hybrid FB in Harbaugh's Michigan offense.

• Saints - Travis Etienne
• Chiefs - Kenneth Walker

Two popular landing spots for Jeremiyah Love inside of the top 10 just spent big money on RBs.

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 9, 2026

I keep wondering about Sean Tucker. Only 24 and looked like the best back in TB when given opportunities. Good thick build and fast. He won't break the bank with upside.

[quote="purplefaithful" pid="270244" dateline="1772916587"]
[b]Over-rated: Travis Etienne Jr., RB[/b]

Etienne improved in what might have been his final season in Jacksonville, delivering 1,103 rushing yards at 4.3 yards per carry over 17 games and finishing with 44 rush yards over expected, per NFL Next Gen Stats. It's good that the last number was positive, but Etienne was negative in that category the two prior seasons -- with minus-77 RYOE in 2023 and minus-43 in 2024 (to be fair, he had a huge plus-231 in 2022).

Paying a high-cost contract to a running back who hasn't consistently been able to get what is blocked for him is not advisable unless that back delivers in a major way in a different area. But Etienne doesn't.

While he had six receiving touchdowns last season, his 36 receptions for 292 yards weren't prolific. [i][color=#00369b]And critically, the Jaguars put Etienne on the field on third-and-7-plus plays only 6% of the time, which shows what they thought of him on passing downs.[/color][/i]

ESPN
[/quote]

Yeah, that's a rough stat for 3rd and 7 considering what he just got paid. Silly Season extends into Day 1 of NFL free agency, no doubt. There is no greater pay off for being above average/average in the sports universe than NFL free agency.

StickierBuns wrote:

Ryan Fowler
@_RyanFowler_
·
25m
Source: The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne for a 30 visit.

Dynamic ball-carrier ran 4.37 in Indy & was a two-time All-ACC selection. 907 rushing yds & 10 TDs in ‘25.

The #Vikings are hosting Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne for a 30 visit, per @_RyanFowler_. pic.twitter.com/3fAFgQEIWA

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) March 16, 2026

Claiborne's burst is video-game like. I think along with Corey Coleman and Emmett Johnson, the Vikings will have a lot of interest in Claiborne.

[quote="StickierBuns" pid="270476" dateline="1773134209"]

Yeah, that's a rough stat for 3rd and 7 considering what he just got paid. Silly Season extends into Day 1 of NFL free agency, no doubt. There is no greater pay off for being above average/average in the sports universe than NFL free agency.
[/quote]

Ryan Fowler
@_RyanFowler_
·
25m
Source: The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne for a 30 visit.

Dynamic ball-carrier ran 4.37 in Indy & was a two-time All-ACC selection. 907 rushing yds & 10 TDs in ‘25.

[twitter]https://x.com/i/status/2033539865757753508[/twitter]