The Minnesota Vikings backfield is currently a puzzle with a few missing pieces and one massive question mark over the 2026 season. If you've been watching Kevin O’Connell’s offense, you know he wants a "complete" back. Someone who can pass protect, catch a screen without tripping, and—obviously—hit the hole with some juice.
Right now, the Minnesota RB depth chart is top-heavy. It’s led by a veteran in Aaron Jones Sr. who, let's be honest, is defying the typical "running back cliff" age. But behind him? It’s a mix of an ascending Jordan Mason, a special teams ace in Ty Chandler, and a few wildcards.
Things are changing. Rapidly.
The Current Hierarchy: Who’s Actually in the Room?
As we roll into the early months of 2026, the pecking order looks a bit different than the preseason projections of 2025. Aaron Jones Sr. remains the nominal RB1, but the "lead back" title is getting shared more than it used to.
Here is how the room currently shakes out:
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- Aaron Jones Sr. (The Veteran Anchor): He signed a two-year deal worth $20 million back in 2025. He’s 31, which is basically 100 in running back years, but he still looks explosive. He finished 2025 with over 1,000 rushing yards, proving the Packers might have made a mistake letting him walk.
- Jordan Mason (The Workhorse): Acquired from the 49ers for draft picks, Mason has been the perfect "Thunder" to Jones' "Lightning." He’s 26 and under contract for 2026, which is crucial because he offers a physical style that wears down defenses in the fourth quarter.
- Ty Chandler (The Speedster/Specialist): Chandler spent a good chunk of 2025 on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. He returned late in the season (Week 17 against Detroit and Week 18 against Green Bay) and looked decent, but he’s heading into the 2026 offseason as a pending free agent.
- Zavier Scott (The Developmental Piece): Scott is a former undrafted guy who the Vikings have been stashing. He’s mostly a special teams body right now, but O'Connell likes his versatility.
- C.J. Ham (The Hammer): You can't talk about Minnesota's run game without the fullback. Ham is the glue. He doesn't get many carries, but the depth chart starts and ends with his blocking.
The Aaron Jones Contract Situation
Honestly, the biggest story regarding the Minnesota RB depth chart is Jones' cap hit. According to Over the Cap, his cap number balloons to over $14.5 million in 2026. That is a massive number for a 32-year-old runner.
The Vikings have a trigger on March 13, 2026. If he’s on the roster on the third day of the league year, another $2 million of his salary becomes fully guaranteed. This makes him a potential "cap casualty" or at least a candidate for a significant restructure. If they cut him, they save about $8 million. If they keep him, they’re betting on a 32-year-old to stay healthy for 17 games. It’s a gamble.
Why Jordan Mason Might Be the Secret 2026 Starter
Jordan Mason is the name everyone is circling. When the Vikings traded for him, most people thought he was just insurance. Instead, he’s turned into a vital part of the rotation. In the 2025-2026 season, Mason showed he could handle a 20-carry workload when Jones was sidelined with hip and ankle issues.
He’s younger. He’s cheaper. He’s arguably more durable at this stage of his career.
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If Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decides to move on from Jones to save cap space for J.J. McCarthy’s supporting cast, Mason is the "next man up." But the team knows they can't just rely on Mason alone. They need a committee.
The Ty Chandler Departure?
Ty Chandler is a fan favorite because of his speed, but his 2025 season was a wash due to that Week 1 knee injury. He only managed 17 carries all year. With Mason under contract and the team likely looking toward the draft, Chandler might find himself looking for a new home in free agency this March. He’s been a solid contributor, but the Vikings seem to be moving in a different direction.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 NFL Draft and Free Agency
The Minnesota RB depth chart is almost certainly going to add a rookie this April. The Vikings have about nine picks in the 2026 draft, and draft experts like Vikingsterritory’s Josh Frey and Adam New are already pointing toward some specific names.
- Jonah Coleman (Washington): A "bowling ball" type runner. He’s not a burner, but he’s incredibly hard to tackle and can catch passes. He’d be a perfect Day 2 target.
- Jadarian Price (Notre Dame): Some scouts think he’s the most explosive back in this class. If the Vikings want to replace the "Lightning" element of Aaron Jones, Price is the guy.
- Rico Dowdle (Free Agent): Rumors are swirling that Dowdle, who had back-to-back 1,300-yard seasons in Carolina, could be a target if the Vikings want another veteran presence. He’d likely cost around $7 million a year.
It’s a transition period. The Vikings defense, under Brian Flores, has become elite, and the offense needs a run game that doesn't disappear in the second half. Whether that’s a rejuvenated Aaron Jones or a rookie-plus-Mason committee is the $14 million question.
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What This Means for the Offense
J.J. McCarthy needs a run game. Period.
Last season, we saw flashes of what this offense looks like when the ground game is humming—Justin Jefferson gets more single coverage, and Jordan Addison can feast on intermediate routes. When the run game stalls, McCarthy is forced to do too much, and for a young QB, that’s where the turnovers happen.
The Vikings finished 2025 strong with a win over the Packers, but the rushing totals were modest. If they want to be a true Super Bowl contender in 2026, the Minnesota RB depth chart needs more than just "serviceable" bodies.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're tracking the roster this spring, keep an eye on these specific milestones:
- March 13: The deadline for Aaron Jones' $2M guarantee. If he’s still on the roster after this date, he’s likely staying for 2026.
- Late April: Watch for a RB selection in rounds 2 through 4. This will signal the end of the "veteran-only" era in the backfield.
- Free Agency Open: If the Vikings don't sign a veteran backup to Mason/Jones early, they are definitely going all-in on a rookie.
The backfield isn't just about who starts; it's about who finishes. Right now, it looks like Jordan Mason is the bridge to the future, with a high-upside rookie likely joining him soon.