The Minnesota Vikings are coming off of a surprising 14-3 season and running back Aaron Jones was a big part of their success on offense. However, Jones is a free agent this offseason, so what should the Vikings end up doing at the position?
What Will The Minnesota Vikings Do At Running Back?
Aaron Jones had a great season for the Vikings. The former Packer accumulated 1,789 total yards on the season, including seven touchdowns. However, Jones is 30 years old, and the NFL is not usually a kind place to running backs over 30. With a loaded running back draft class, it is worth exploring the Vikings options for next season.
Re-signing Aaron Jones
It is very difficult to let a back who gained nearly 1,800 total yards leave in free agency. Jones showed throughout the season that he is still in his prime and capable of shouldering a heavy workload. His pass-catching skills were on display this year as well, catching 51 passes, the third most on the team. Although Jones is starting to age and this is a very deep running back draft class, the Vikings may very well opt to re-sign Jones due to the productive season he had.
Loaded draft class
The 2025 NFL Draft running back class is one of the deepest of all time. The first running back off the board will be Boise State University superstar Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns this past season, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy race. However, Jeanty is projected to be drafted before the Vikings first round pick, so Minnesota’s attention should be turned to other running back prospects.
Best fits outside of Jeanty
The Minnesota Vikings will likely look for a pass catching back if they opt to draft a running back. A few running backs they could look at are Omarion Hampton, Brashard Smith, and Cam Skattebo. All three of these backs had at least 30 receptions last season. Skattebo himself had 45 receptions last season.
These guys can all get it done on the ground as well. Hampton recorded 1,660 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He totaled over 2,000 total yards and 17 total touchdowns for the University of North Carolina this season. Smith rushed for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024. Lastly, Skattebo recorded 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns all on the ground. Due to his rushing power and pass catching ability, Skattebo could be a good fit for the Vikings offense at running back.
Cam Skattebo
Cam Skattebo is a powerful running back. He consistently broke numerous tackles at the power four level for Arizona State. The Minnesota Vikings could very much use Skattebo’s power. Minnesota struggled with running the ball in short yardage situations this season, something Skattebo excelled at while at Arizona State. Skattebo is also a very capable receiving back, something the Vikings utilized in Aaron Jones last season. The Vikings would likely be able to get Skattebo around the third or fourth round, if they want to pursue him. Skattebo may very well be the running back the Vikings are looking for.
Minnesota’s Best Option
The Vikings best option might be to re-sign Aaron Jones to a short term contract and also draft Cam Skattebo. In the NFL, running backs wear down very easily. Jones is aging and Skattebo will be a rookie. Next season will likely be very difficult on both of their bodies. If the Vikings bring in both of them, they could split carries, and excel even more. Jones would not have to take short yardage carries anymore and Skattebo could learn from Jones and get acclimated to the NFL game. The Vikings have a lot of questions to answer this offseason including at the running back position.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images
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