2026 Free Agency and Draft: RB

MaroonBells wrote:
I think I'd add Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne to this list linked below. This class doesn't have the depth of last year's class, but right now it seems there are 7 RBs that I'd be pretty happy with: Love, Price, Coleman, Johnson, Washington, Claiborne and Singleton. While I loved Singleton the first time I put him on (he's the best physical specimen in this class) his poor final season does cause some concern. 

Still, unless we bring back Aaron Jones, and I doubt we do, we need a starter on day one, so I think this could be a position where we tap into the free agency market. Breece Hall, Travis Etienne and Kenneth Walker III all free agents, with Etienne the most likely to hit the market IMO. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/SG2o8GS_NJg?si=jv0ga4OyijBISGVh

One of the announcers during the SB mentioned that Walker while a very good runner was lacking as a pass receiver & blocker. I doubt that would make him a fit in the KOC offense.

Knucklehead wrote:

One of the announcers during the SB mentioned that Walker while a very good runner was lacking as a pass receiver & blocker. I doubt that would make him a fit in the KOC offense.

I heard that too. Definitely something to consider.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Seahawks are unlikely to use their franchise tag on Walker entering an offseason in which they have several key free agents to try retaining as they look to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

The estimated franchise tag value for running backs in 2026 is $14.5 million. Seattle does project to have $63.6 million in cap space this offseason.

My favorite RB in the draft other than Love is Jadarian Price. I expect he goes as high as Rd 2. I like Emmett Johnson too. While not as deep as last year's class, there are several good RBs in this class. For a very late pick, check out Robert Henry Jr from UTSA. I would love to get him in the 6th or 7th.

dadevike wrote:
My favorite RB in the draft other than Love is Jadarian Price. I expect he goes as high as Rd 2. I like Emmett Johnson too. While not as deep as last year's class, there are several good RBs in this class. For a very late pick, check out Robert Henry Jr from UTSA. I would love to get him in the 6th or 7th.

Emmett Johnson is getting a lot of love right now. Bucky Brooks has him RB2. I like him, but right now I wouldn't take him before Price or Coleman. Couple things I don't like about him is that he's not much of a pass protector, plus he'll spend some time dancing and juking looking for the big play instead of just moving the chains.

MaroonBells wrote:

Emmett Johnson is getting a lot of love right now. Bucky Brooks has him RB2. I like him, but right now I wouldn't take him before Price or Coleman. Couple things I don't like about him is that he's not much of a pass protector, plus he'll spend some time dancing and juking looking for the big play instead of just moving the chains.

True, Johnson is not very good in pass pro. But that is generally the case with high end backs coming out of college. Claiborne is not good at pass pro either. Neither is Price. Love is one of the better backs in pass pro, but I am assuming he will be gone by 18.

dadevike wrote:

True, Johnson is not very good in pass pro. But that is generally the case with high end backs coming out of college. Claiborne is not good at pass pro either. Neither is Price. Love is one of the better backs in pass pro, but I am assuming he will be gone by 18.

Pass pro is a big part of why we should've drafted our back last year. It is a specific talent that some very good backs just don't master as rookies. It's interesting to me that even the back who was supposed to be the best pass blocker from last year's class, Tre Henderson, struggled with it as a rookie. It's why he didn't get a lot of early playing time. 

This is another reason why it might be best for the Vikings to get their RB from free agency. We need a RB1; we don't have time to dink around developing one.

Wonder if Dallas is out of the LOVE sweepstakes with their recent signing of Javonte Williams?

Vikings met with RB Chris Mosley from North Carolina Central University.pic.twitter.com/nn9BY8IiRF https://t.co/0Qm1lJ0hAr

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 23, 2026

MaroonBells wrote:
https://x.com/TPPSkol/status/2026005980929052932?s=20

I don't see him as nearly fast, quick, or elusive enough for his very small frame. 180 lbs? UDFA.

#Huskers RB Emmett Johnson confirms with us that’s he’s met formally with the #Vikings & that it went very well.

“Going back home would be a blessing, I’m born & raised in Minneapolis, MN”

👀 pic.twitter.com/aDLxv404Rs

— Vikes\/erified (@VikesVV) February 27, 2026

6-1, 223 and 4.33 speed. 

Mike Washington 4.33 unofficial 40 pic.twitter.com/B5A8V8eK90

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 28, 2026

MaroonBells wrote:
6-1, 223 and 4.33 speed. 

Mike Washington 4.33 unofficial 40 pic.twitter.com/B5A8V8eK90

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 28, 2026

He is not small but he does not break a ton of tackles. However, give him a crease or have a defender take a less than perfect angle, and he is a threat for a big play at any point. I would not mind Washington if we cannot get Price.

dadevike wrote:

He is not small but he does not break a ton of tackles. However, give him a crease or have a defender take a less than perfect angle, and he is a threat for a big play at any point. I would not mind Washington if we cannot get Price.

Agree. This is not Skattebo. He doesn't run angry and he's not particularly shifty. But that size/speed combo is going to have some teams salivating.

StickierBuns wrote:
That's what I've been saying, but we'll see....

VikingzFanPage
@vikingzfanpage
·
10m
It’s “probably more likely” that the #Vikings choose to draft a RB compared to signing one in free agency, per
@SeifertESPN
.

“With 9 draft picks, possibly 10 (comp picks), it’s probably more likely the Vikings are looking to draft a RB, who wouldn’t necessarily be the starter on opening day in 2026, but certainly be in position to be a contributor throughout the course of the season.”

I really hope thats not the case...They dont have a #1 RB and that aint helping #9 at all. 

Maybe they can trade for Montgomery ;)

StickierBuns wrote:
That's what I've been saying, but we'll see....

VikingzFanPage
@vikingzfanpage
·
10m
It’s “probably more likely” that the #Vikings choose to draft a RB compared to signing one in free agency, per
@SeifertESPN
.

“With 9 draft picks, possibly 10 (comp picks), it’s probably more likely the Vikings are looking to draft a RB, who wouldn’t necessarily be the starter on opening day in 2026, but certainly be in position to be a contributor throughout the course of the season.”

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.

MaroonBells wrote:

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.

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.