Vikings May Pursue Running Back With Explosive Speed Before Trade Deadline
Analyst Alec Lewis suggests Minnesota could target a running back known for "home-run burst" as the NFL trade deadline approaches, potentially affecting the roles of Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones.
The Athletic analyst Alec Lewis said the Minnesota Vikings are likely to explore acquiring a running back who possesses a "home-run burst" before the upcoming trade deadline. He listed several possible targets, including Chargers backs Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal, Tennessee Titans' Tony Pollard, Tampa Bay's Kenneth Gainwell, and Arizona's Tyler Allgeier. Lewis noted that any significant trade would reduce playing time and fantasy value for current backs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones.
Lewis added that the Vikings have already been adjusting depth pieces, indicating a growing urgency to address the backfield. He warned that a costly acquisition could shift the balance of workload among the running backs.
"He was pretty sore," head coach Kevin O’Connell said after Aaron Jones’ recent game, referring to the veteran’s knee condition.
The Vikings are set to face the New Orleans Saints before a Week 6 bye, giving Jones one more high-volume opportunity. Mason, who is on injured reserve with a thumb injury, is expected to return in Week 7, according to reports. The team’s backfield depth includes rookie Demond Claiborne and receiving specialist DeeJay Dallas, though both are viewed as secondary options at this stage.