Vikings Primed to Improve Rushing Offense in 2026
The Vikings made several moves that point towards an improved rushing attack in 2026. Well, at least, they intend to have an improved one.
In the Kevin O’Connell era, the Vikings have been a lackluster rushing team. At best, the Vikings have been an average team when it comes to producing yardage on the ground. The Vikings’ top rushing offense in the O’Connell era came in 2024, when they ran for 109.1 yards per game. Still, this was only the 20th-best in the NFL that season.
In O’Connell’s first two seasons as head coach in 2022 and 2023, Minnesota’s rushing offense was in the bottom six. In 2022, they had 97.7 yards per game, the 6th-worst mark in the league. In 2023, it was even worse at 91.4 yards per game, 4th-worst in the league.
It’s clear there needs to be changes made in the run game, and the Vikings are at the very least, trying.
Vikings Invest in the Run Game in 2026 Offseason
Minnesota didn’t go out and make a splashy free agent signing at the running back position. However, they did bring back Aaron Jones on a revised deal, something not many people expected. Additionally, in free agency, the Vikings signed former Bills tackle Ryan Van Demark, who brings plenty of right tackle experience.
The signing of Jauan Jennings isn’t just a major aid in the passing game; it’s also a major plus for the rushing game. Jennings has been one of the premier run-blocking receivers in the league during his career, and will be a difference maker on runs outside of the tackles.
The Vikings also showed signs of improving the running game via the 2026 NFL Draft. Minnesota shocked many when they drafted Michigan’s Max Bredeson, a fullback, at the 159th selection when Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson was still available. The Vikings passed on Johnson for Bredeson, and then traded up in the 6th round to select Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne. Their final pick of the event was used on center Gavin Gerhardt out of Cincinnati.
The Vikings’ Most Important Investment for an Improved Rushing Attack
The most important addition of all to Minnesota’s rushing attack is former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith. Smith served four seasons under former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in South Beach. Before that, he was the offensive line coach and run-game coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021. He will now serve as assistant head coach under Kevin O’Connell.
While Smith has technically never had a “prolific” rushing offense, they were still technically better than any of the attacks that Kevin O’Connell has overseen. Frank Smith also spent a number of seasons with De’Von Achane, aiding in his development to become one of the premier backs in the league.
Minnesota is surely hoping that some of that touch can rub off on Demond Claiborne, who has a little Achane to his game.
