Kevin O'Connell J.J. McCarthy Minnesota Vikings
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Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy #9.
One of the more unsung storylines of the Vikings’ offseason is the decision they’ll be making at runningback.
The feelings is that Aaron Jones will involuntarily be making his exit from Minnesota. The Vikings also must be making decisions on Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott. Chandler will be an unrestricted free agent on March 11th, and Chandler will be an unrestricted free agent.
By the ancient art of mathematics, that leaves only Jordan Mason employed as a Vikings runningback in 2026.
Mason probably isn’t your ideal RB1 candidate, but he is a fine RB2 option. Fortunately, there may be a legitimate RB1 on the trade market if the Vikings make the call.
Vikings Named Trade Candidate for Dolphins’ De’Von Achane
De'Von Achane
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 28: De’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Ben Solak recently revealed their top 15 2026 trade candidates. On that list in third place, was Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane.
“The league seems to believe the Dolphins are in a full rebuild, which means they’re getting calls on all of their star players. My sense is that they’re far more likely to extend Achane’s contract than to listen to those trade offers, but in their situation, you answer the phone when it rings. So, call any Achane trade a significant long shot that would take an awfully enticing package to get done.”
As Solak explains, Achane is a younger, better, and faster target than any of the free agent runningbacks. Miami know this, and they also know he’s one of the lone bright spots on a rebuilding team in South Beach.
The pair gave Achane a 10% chance to be traded away by the Dolphins. Among the teams fits, were the Chiefs, Texans, and Vikings.
Vikings Territory‘s Dustin Baker also brings up a great point about the tie between Achane and new Vikings assistant head coach, Frank Smith.
“Minnesota hired Frank Smith last month, who served as Mike McDaniel’s offensive coordinator in Miami for all four seasons until McDaniel’s termination. Smith helped to onboard Achane into the NFL and obviously knows him well.”
Minnesota Needs to Make Decision on Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones postgame in the preseason.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 09: Aaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Texans 20-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Matt Okada of NFL.com recently wrote about Aaron Jones, agreeing that he is a major cut candidate for a Vikings team needing to clear some of the books.
“I labeled Jones as a cut candidate two years ago. And while he was very good in his first year in Minnesota, the veteran running back struggled a bit in 2025, posting a career-low 4.9 yards per touch and scoring three touchdowns in 12 games. He also averaged just 2.8 yards after contact per carry and a 9.1% explosive run rate (also career lows).
Jones turned 31 in December and has always thrived on his explosiveness, an area in which a downturn is expected with aging backs. Cutting him frees up $6.8 million in cap space for a team currently $40.1 million in the red. This feels like a bit of a no-brainer.”