The best free-agent running back available this month is Saquon Barkley, who scored two touchdowns for the Giants against the Vikings in the postseason following the 2022 year.
Talent is what the Vikings need. Their first route begins the following week with NFL free agency, when players may start settling on terms with new teams on Monday at 11 a.m. CT. The NFL’s 2024 league season doesn’t start until 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, at which point those contracts can be formally signed. We’ll concentrate this week on five position groupings where the Vikings are most in need of players.
The best free-agent running back available this month is Saquon Barkley, who scored two touchdowns for the Giants against the Vikings in the postseason following the 2022 year.
Last season, Alexander Mattison’s promotion to lead running back was deemed a “no-brainer” by Vikings coaches; nevertheless, neither Mattison nor the team were successful in that endeavor. After five seasons with Minnesota, including one as the starting back, he was released on Monday. Including the 1982 season that was cut short by a strike, Mattison became the only top rusher in franchise history to go without a rushing touchdown.
With a new leader in the backfield, Coach Kevin O’Connell will attempt to get the running game back on track as he begins his third season.
The only two runners on the Vikings roster with significant experience are Myles Gaskin and Ty Chandler, with veteran fullback C.J. Ham still serving as the group’s leader.
Recuperating from his second Achilles rupture of his NFL career is Cam Akers.
Although he is a restricted free agent, he is expected to be granted permission to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday because the lowest level offer the Vikings are willing to give is valued at approximately $3 million (not guaranteed).
Last season, Alexander Mattison’s promotion to lead running back was deemed a “no-brainer” by Vikings coaches; nevertheless, neither Mattison nor the team were successful in that endeavor.
After five seasons with Minnesota, including one as the starting back, he was released on Monday.
Including the 1982 season that was cut short by a strike, Mattison became the only top rusher in franchise history to go without a rushing touchdown.
