Fixing a running game that has suffered greatly throughout the first two seasons of the Kevin O’Connell era is an underappreciated priority this offseason. In terms of running offense DVOA, they have placed 27th the past two years. Since there are men on the Vikings offensive line who are considered to be good run blockers, blocking doesn’t seem to be the main problem. Josh Oliver, a superb run-blocking tight end, was also added by them previous season, but nothing changed. That implies that a running back issue could be the cause. In 2022, Dalvin Cook was one of the least productive backs in the league; as his replacement in the previous campaign, Alexander Mattison performed even worse. The Vikings might use restricted free agent Cam Akers to reclaim the position.
Is there a possibility they would target the top free agent when they become available again in the spring? Saquon Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowl player, is among a group of free agent running backs that might include Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Austin Ekeler (depending on probable franchise tags). Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently identified the Vikings as one of six possible landing locations for Barkley.
Barkley has frequently had to carry the offense alone in New York. There haven’t been many game-changing receivers for the Giants to assist him. If he inks a contract with the Minnesota Vikings, that will alter immediately. Entering the next season, the Vikings have quarterbacking concerns. Due to an Achilles tendon tear, Kirk Cousins will be available as a free agency after missing the second part of the 2023 campaign. Barkley might be the last member of one of the league’s top skill-position groups if Cousins returns. In the event that the Vikings choose to use a young quarterback, a potent running game will be even more crucial. The Vikings have chosen to take a “competitive rebuild” stance rather than demolishing everything. They have a significant
