Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on the field before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Despite the Minnesota Vikings’ 4-0 record, there is plenty to correct going into Sunday’s tilt against the New Orleans Saints. For starters, the offense hasn’t been able to make things click yet, especially through the air.
After slogging their way through the first three quarters against the Miami Dolphins, especially through the air, the Vikings hope that a more productive fourth quarter will carry over into Week 5.
It’s still uncertain if Justin Jefferson will return against his hometown Saints, but his fellow LSU Alum Odell Beckham Jr. has been added to the practice squad to provide depth either way.
Arguably the most concerning part of the roster on offense is at running back. Aaron Jones has been run into the ground since Jordan Mason landed on injured reserve and they’ve been thirsty for help in the backfield ever since… and have yet to find any worthwhile additions.
They have needed to add depth in the backfield going back to the offseason, and a slow start by the Philadelphia Eagles could provide a path to much more than the fringe free agents they’ve been bringing in the last few weeks
Saquon Barkley a potential Minnesota Vikings option
At some point Aaron Jones is going to break down. He’s nearing 32 years old and has missed time in several seasons. Jordan Mason has also shown himself to be a fairly one-dimensional running back.
Adding a dynamic talent at any position this time of year is a challenge, but there’s no doubt Saquon Barkley would certainly fit that bill. But would the Minnesota Vikings really take that swing?
As Tyler Forness (AtoZ Sports) points out, Barkley would be a much better fit in this year’s Vikings offense, than past seasons under Kevin O’Connell. Brian Flores has the defense dialed in, and with the issues through the air, Minnesota’s been running the football a ton.
It’s a non-zero proposition to make a swing for Barkley. Running backs carry real value in today’s game, and the Eagles seem to be loading up on draft picks, with four selections in the top 64 of the 2028 NFL Draft…Adding Barkley would signal the Vikings going all in on a Super Bowl run this season, and it wouldn’t be the worst idea…
Even so, there are some intriguing things happening with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s approach on offense. The Vikings have made the run game a major focus, and they can do a lot of different things to maximize it. O’Connell continues to talk about prioritizing the ground attack, and the gap scheme runs have been working well. A player like Barkley would elevate everything Minnesota wants to do offensively.
Tyler Forness – AtoZ Sports
The second overall pick in 2018 is now playing in his ninth professional season. After leading the league with 2,005 rushing yards in 2024, he fell off to the tune of 1,140 yards last season. He is currently dealing with a hamstring injury suffered Sunday against the Rams that has him week to week, and he isn’t likely to get healthier as he ages.
However, paired with Jones and Mason while having a Super Bowl ring already on his hand, there are far worse places to turn for depth. If the 2-2 Philadelphia Eagles are ready to cash in Barkley for future assets, then Minnesota being first in line makes a lot of sense.