The Vikings' running back room is one play away from being in dire straits. I identified a few potential trade targets @AtoZSportsNFL https://t.co/aS3JM5Q1fJ

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) October 6, 2026

Minnesota Vikings are in a fascinating spot with the running back room, and a trade could put them over the top

With injuries defining the running back room, the Minnesota Vikings could turn to the trade market for an immediate contributor.

The Minnesota Vikings are in a tricky spot with their running back room. Aaron Jones has been a beacon of consistency so far, but he’s already been banged up a couple of times. It’s hard to see him holding up for the rest of the season. Along with that, Jordan Mason is on injured reserve while he heals from a broken thumb. He should be back right after the bye.

Even so, the Vikings have some intriguing players they could bring in to bolster the position. Any serious addition would likely come via trade, because there isn’t a ton of talent left on the free-agent market. Who are some players Minnesota could target? It’s hard to know right now, but players on struggling teams are the most likely options. Let’s dive in.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, also known as “Bill,” was a seventh-round pick of the Washington Commanders in the 2025 NFL Draft. He had a unique college path, playing at New Mexico and Alabama State before transferring to Arizona for the 2024 season. He played in the opener against his former school, New Mexico, and then was ruled ineligible for the rest of the year. It ultimately hurt his draft stock, which could have been much higher if he got to play all season.

The appeal with Croskey-Merritt is that he has the juice to play in either a wide zone or a gap scheme. A lot of draft analysts loved him coming out, and he got opportunities right away. He made seven starts in 17 games as a rookie and has started all four games so far this season.

However, the usage hasn’t matched what you’d expect from a starter. Washington continues to trust other players over him, and ball security might be the reason. Over the course of his career, he has five fumbles on 245 touches. That’s one fumble every 49 touches, or roughly one every three games, and that’s not going to fly.

With how the Commanders’ running back room is structured, Croskey-Merritt might have fallen out of favor. The Vikings could capitalize with a late-round pick, and he would come with multiple years of team control.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt gets loose for another big gain for the @Commanders @INDvsWAS on NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4Wd6pIvJp2

— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2026

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers

If you want a back who is a little undersized but has the juice and vision to thrive in this system, it’s Vidal. He was fantastic at Troy, serving as the entire engine of that offense, and the Los Angeles Chargers took him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He has since become a depth player. Vidal has played in just four games, with six carries for 31 yards and three catches for 25 yards. That being said, he started 10 games in 2025 due to injuries, running for 643 yards and three touchdowns at a 4.1 yards-per-carry clip.

Vidal runs with power and has speed. Pair him with Jones, add Mason once he returns, and the Vikings would have a strong trio. He’s also a dynamite pass blocker who uses leverage to his advantage. This is the type of player who might only cost a seventh-round pick, or a sixth-for-seventh swap, and he could pay dividends right away.

Kimani Vidal adds SIX!@LACvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ZtASgK2GP8

— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2026

Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers

We’re heading back to Los Angeles for another option. Mitchell has more money attached to him than the others on this list. According to Over the Cap, Mitchell signed a two-year deal worth $9.25 million. However, his base salary this year is just $1.25 million, which would come to Minnesota prorated. Nothing is guaranteed in 2027, and his roster bonus isn’t due until the fifth day of the league year, so the Vikings could cut him at little cost if it doesn’t work out.

At 5-8 and 191 pounds, Mitchell runs in the 4.3s. That’s the speed element the Vikings have been trying to get from Demond Claiborne, who hasn’t been able to provide it yet. Mitchell is the idealized version of what Claiborne could become, and the Vikings wouldn’t have to wait for him to develop.

So far, Mitchell has 27 carries for 124 yards at 4.6 yards a clip, along with nine catches for 34 yards and a touchdown. I’m not sure Mike McDaniel would be willing to part with him, since Mitchell is exactly the type of player McDaniel has thrived with, which is also why Frank Smith would want him. If the Chargers fall to 0-5 or 0-6, though, they might be willing to sell.

Keaton Mitchell opens up the scoring 👀@LACvsBUF on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/vbkqdKEm3S

— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2026

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

Conner isn’t the sexiest name, but he’s been effective. The Pittsburgh Steelers took him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft after he survived a bout with cancer at the University of Pittsburgh. He took over for Le’Veon Bell and thrived with the Steelers.

Once he landed with the Arizona Cardinals, people thought his career was winding down. Instead, he had a renaissance. Across five years in Arizona, Conner has averaged 4.4 yards per carry, which is better than his mark with the Steelers, and his success rate is nearly 5 percentage points higher.

With how deep the Cardinals’ running back room is, there’s a real chance they part ways with Conner once he is eligible to come off injured reserve. Arizona has Tyler Allgeier and Jeremiyah Love, whom it drafted with the 3rd overall pick this year. That could open the door for Minnesota to add a proven veteran, and he could be a huge asset to the Vikings’ success.

Shovel pass to James Conner to give Arizona the lead

AZvsNO on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/MBUBpo7lQv

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025