The Minnesota Vikings outperformed expectations during the 2024 NFL season.
Sportsbooks projected them to only win seven or eight games, and the consensus, even among the fanbase, was that 2024 was going to be a rebuilding year of sorts.
Nobody told the team that, however, and they rattled off a 14-win season, finishing in second place in an increasingly difficult NFC North.
The offense rallied behind Sam Darnold and came alive, propelled by an elite offensive line, and the defense proved to be one of the best units in the league.
It remains to be seen how J.J. McCarthy will perform in this system, but considering how well Kevin O’Connell has developed quarterbacks throughout his career, he has a strong chance at success.
The Vikings are doing whatever is possible to surround McCarthy with the right talent, which might include a new running back.
Reporter Mike Garafolo recently noted on X that the Vikings are signing running back Xazavian Valladay, who has spent time with the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints.
The #Vikings are signing RB Xazavian Valladay, per his agent @thelawmvp. Former undrafted free agent of the #Texans was with the #Saints from last November to though this spring. Now headed to Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/o9LH3Kfj8L
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 18, 2025
Valladay might not be a player that fans are immediately excited about, but at the very least, he could add depth to a position that sees a lot of injuries throughout the season.
Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are expected to lead the charge to start the year, but with Jones’ injury issues over the past few seasons, they might need a depth piece like Valladay to help out along the way.
The Vikings can’t afford any setbacks, especially with the NFC North expected to be strong again, and a lot of competition in the conference as a whole.
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