The Vikings Still Have a Clear Draft Need at RB

Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images There are a lot of positions on the Minnesota Vikings roster that still need some attention, and despite Aaron Jones being confirmed to return for the 2026 season. Running back should still be high on the list of Vikings draft priorities as we head towards April. Aaron Jones looked to be heading the same way as the likes of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

News even broke of Jones’ impending release at the same time as Hargrave’s future was reported. Unlike Hargrave, the Vikings and Jones thrashed out an agreement that allowed Minnesota to get the salary cap relief it desired while Jones remained a Viking . Minnesota’s Backfield Still Lacks a Long-Term Answer Jones is a big personality and leader on this team, and with Minnesota already losing some players that fit that mold this offseason, like Harrison Smith and CJ Ham, keeping Jones around is a sensible move.

That leaves the Vikings with Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott on the depth chart alongside Jones – basically the same as last year, minus the departed Ty Chandler. It leaves the Vikings without the desperate need to find an RB immediately, but Jones will be 33 and a free agent next year, while Mason will also hit free agency. Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) runs onto the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field.

Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images. It puts the team in a good position to use this Vikings draft to find an RB who can come in without the immediate pressure to lead the backfield. Jones and Mason should share the major workload this season, and a rookie trying to force his way into a share of that workload is exactly the kind of healthy competition you want.