Vikings to Proceed with a Lean Operation at Running Back
Prior to training camp, I’ll be working through a position-by-position roster projection. Second in the series is a consideration of a sneaky important spot for the Vikings: running back.
The quarterback position has some certainty and uncertainty to navigate. Regardless of who is throwing the ball, getting production on the ground will help. Aaron Jones is the undisputed top option but there’s competition after the former Packer. Expect the Vikings to proceed with a lean operation at running back in 2024.
Vikings to Proceed with a Lean Operation at Running Back
Kevin O’Connell needs to fix the ground game. Aiding the head coach in that pursuit is Mr. Jones, the surprisingly powerful running back.
Were he built like Brandon Jacobs or A.J. Dillon, then Jones would be easy to understand as a power back. What’s a touch unexpected is just how much wallop Jones can bring behind his shoulder pads at just 5’9″, 208. He is very difficult to tackle and can pickup tough yards. Expect him to do good things for the Vikings’ offense as the clear-cut RB1.
His contract is for a single season and comes in at a total of $7 million. Some salary cap shenanigans, though, dropped his 2024 cap hit down to $3.5 million.
Even at 29, Jones should have a lot left in his legs and lungs. Last season, Jones was on the field for just 11 games while picking up only 142 carries. For context, the somewhat ineffective Alexander Mattison snagged 180 carries across 16 games. So, we’re not talking about a huge workload for the former Packer.
Jones’ main help in the backfield is going to be Ty Chandler. Already, Mr. Chandler is 26 even though he has yet to begin his third season in the NFL. But while his age is a bit discouraging, his speed and explosiveness aren’t.
Chandler turned 102 carries into 461 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns last season. For good measure, Chandler added 21 catches (25 targets) for 159 yards. The man is capable of being an explosive, efficient runner. His speed gives him the potential to hit home runs; he ran a 4.38 forty (Jones ran a 4.56).
Unless something totally unforeseen happens, Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler are going to be the top options in the backfield.
After the top pair is a collection of talent with a lot to prove. Veteran fullback C.J. Ham is very likely to be retained for his leadership, versatility on offense, and special teams prowess. Oh, and the bowling ball at FB has some silky mitts, allowing him to snag the occasional catch or two when he isn’t pummeling defenders.
Otherwise, there’s the presence of Kene Nwangwu, DeWayne McBride, and Myles Gaskin. Of the trio, Nwangwu has the best chance to stick around since he’s remarkably fast and has the capacity to be a true weapon on kickoff return. In all likelihood, Nwangwu isn’t going to develop into a stud on offense, but his speed has always been a tantalizing trait that could one day be a threat on a wheel route or a screen.
The June guess, then, involves seeing three true running backs included: Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, and Kene Nwangwu. Otherwise, there will be C.J. Ham, a thumper at FB who will occasionally get a touch or two for the offense.
Look for the others to be kept around on the practice squad if they aren’t scooped up elsewhere.
Before training camp arrives, I’ll be doing a position-by-position roster projection in an effort to understand what the final 53-man roster could look like. Once training camp and the preseason unfold, we can swing back around to the projections to see about any adjustments. Entries: Quarterback.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
