Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of an Minnesota Vikings helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Vikings Linked to Multiple Running Backs as Aaron Jones' Durability Raises Fresh Concerns 1
The Minnesota Vikings could consider adding a running back before the NFL trade deadline as injuries have reduced their depth at the position.
The team has limited experience behind starter Aaron Jones, while Jordan Mason is eligible to return after the bye week.
Vikings face running back decision before the trade deadline
According to A to Z Sports, the Minnesota Vikings have concerns at running back, which has increased Aaron Jones’ importance. Jones has produced consistently this season but has also missed time with minor injuries. That raises questions about whether he can handle a full workload throughout the season. Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy has also spoken about the team’s approach to the trade market.
Minnesota Vikings
Oct 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
A to Z Sports listed four potential targets for the Vikings, starting with Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Washington selected him in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He played at New Mexico and Alabama, while an issue at Arizona in 2024 led to his dismissal and hurt his draft standing. Croskey-Merritt can play in both the Wide Zone and Gap Scheme.
As a rookie, Croskey-Merritt started seven of 17 games. He has started all four games for Washington this season. Ball security has been an issue, with five fumbles on 245 career touches, or roughly one every 49 touches and about once every three games. The Vikings may acquire him for a late-round pick while gaining multi-year contract control.
Kimani Vidal is another option. The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after a strong career at Troy. Vidal is undersized but offers production as both a runner and blocker. In 2025, injuries led to him starting 10 games, and he finished with 643 rushing yards, a 4.1-yard average and three touchdowns.
Vidal has a limited role in 2026 and primarily serves as a reserve. He could provide another option in the backfield and may be available for a seventh-round pick or a draft swap.
Keaton Mitchell is also a Chargers running back the Vikings could consider. He is 5-foot-8 and weighs 191 pounds and has 4.3-second speed.
Mitchell has a two-year, $9.25 million contract. His base salary is $1.25 million this year, and there is no guaranteed money in 2027. In 2026, Mitchell had 27 carries for 124 yards and a 4.6-yard average, along with nine catches for 34 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
The Chargers may not want to trade a player like Mitchell. However, if they lose several games and fall to 0-5 or 0-6, their record could influence trade discussions.
James Conner is the fourth option. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After leaving the Steelers, Conner joined the Arizona Cardinals and has averaged 4.4 yards per carry over the past five seasons. He is currently on injured reserve.
Arizona has depth at running back with Tyler Allgeier and rookie Jeremiyah Love, who was taken third overall this year. There is also a rumor involving Mason Rudolph. If Conner returns from injured reserve, Arizona could explore trade options involving the veteran running back.
Each candidate carries a different acquisition cost and profile as Minnesota evaluates possible additions before the deadline.
The return from injury could shape Vikings’ trade plans
The Vikings’ next few games could determine how much they need another running back. Aaron Jones’ workload will remain important while Jordan Mason works his way back from injury. Mason’s return could reduce the need for another addition, but Minnesota may still want more depth for the rest of the season.
The team can monitor the trade market while evaluating whether its current running backs can handle the workload. A move for a younger player could add depth beyond this season, while a veteran such as James Conner would give Minnesota immediate experience.
Jordan Mason remains on injured reserve and is eligible to return after the bye week. Until then, Minnesota can evaluate its depth behind Aaron Jones while monitoring trade opportunities. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Kimani Vidal, Keaton Mitchell and James Conner represent potential options if the club decides to add another running back before the deadline.
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