Vikings Quietly Take Care of Another Free Agency Item
The Minnesota Vikings have parted ways with several contributors from the 2025 season to get under the salary cap. One guy that’s not departing, however, is running back Zavier Scott.
All three exclusive rights free agents have gotten the exclusive rights tender from the Vikings.
Kevin Seifert, ESPN, noted on social media, “Vikings had 3 ERFAs — Jalen Redmond, Bo Richter and Zavier Scott. Redmond and Richter are confirmed to have received tenders, and Scott is expected to as well.”
The trio will stay in Minnesota for another year.
Jalen Redmond is the top player on the list after his 2025 breakout campaign. His tender actually made headlines, while Bo Richter and Scott have been flying under the radar. Redmond was a standout defender, Richter was primarily a special-teamer and Scott played a depth role on offense in addition to his play on special teams.
An undrafted rookie from 2023, Scott has been with the Vikings for two years now, but spent the entire 2024 season on the practice squad. In 2025, he made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
In 16 games, Scott rushed the ball 32 times for 114 yards and he displayed his receiving skills in the passing game when he caught 14 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. His reliable hands shouldn’t come as a surprise, as he was a receiver in college.
His most memorable play, in fact, came as a receiver when he secured a toe-tapping catch against the Steelers in London. Carson Wentz found his back on a scramble drill but the reception was quite challenging.
Prior to his NFL journey, he attended UConn for three years and then Maine for three years. He lined up at wide receiver, running back, tight end, and even wildcat quarterback in his college career. Scott had more receiving yards than rushing yards in his final collegiate season in 2022. He registered 352 rushing yards and 438 through the air. For those curious, he also had two passing yards.
After going undrafted in 2023, Scott signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent most of the year on the practice squad. The Colts waived him after last year’s preseason, and the Vikings added him to their practice squad.
Scott now joins Jordan Mason in the running back room. Starter Aaron Jones is expected to be released, making Scott the RB2 until the franchise signs or drafts another ball-carrier.
In free agency, the Vikings could spend to fill the void, either by acquiring one of the top backs on the market, such as Travis Etienne, or by adding a cheaper RB2, such as Kenneth Gainwell.
Either way, there’s a chance they just trust Scott in an increased role. Last season, the Vikings kept him on the 53-man roster over Cam Akers, who was then even cut because his game-day elevations had been used.
Scott will remain with the Vikings through the 2026 season.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.