How These Vikings Running Backs Could Share the Load in the Team’s New Approach
This past year, Vikings fans grew accustomed to seeing Aaron Jones play the majority of the game. In his first year with the team, Jones received 67% of the carries by running backs. It was expected to remain the same, with little depth added and a new contract being handed to Jones. At least, that was until the Vikings traded for Jordan Mason and gave him a two-year deal worth a max of $12 million. Now, the hierarchy for carries remains unknown; however, one thing is certain at this point: it will not be a one-man show.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell used the phrasing “it’s Aaron and Jordan” when discussing the backfield pairing. This is a shift away from his traditional way of determining carries. In his three years with the team, there has been a running back taking over two-thirds of the carries twice. In addition to Jones recording 67% of the carries this past year, in 2022, Dalvin Cook recorded an even higher volume in 2022, as he recorded 74% of the carries. The only year this stat was not the case for the team was with Alexander Mattison in 2023, when he recorded only 55% of the carries. However, he also only started in 13 games that year. With all that being said, it is going to be a different year for the O’Connell-led offense. The question remains, what could this look like?
The major takeaway is going to be the drop in Jones’s usage. Among the Vikings running backs, he dominated both the carries and targets, having a total of 306 touches in 2025. Mason has never been a strong threat as a receiver, as in San Francisco, he only had 14 catches in three years. However, his talent in the run game is clear as he had 153 carries for 789 yards and three touchdowns this past year. While Jones may remain the primary receiver out of the backfield, Mason is sure to take the pressure off of Jones for the run game, which is a needed area for the Vikings this year.
This tandem is sure to see plenty of opportunities throughout the year, which may be needed at their top strength and ability right from the start. The team is currently heading into the year with J.J. McCarthy, who is playing his first season. In addition to the general rookie issues, the team also has issues in the receiver room due to suspensions and injuries. Due to these issues, the team is counting on a breakout season from Jalen Nailor and for Justin Jefferson to fully recover from his hamstring issue. Whether it is Jones or Mason, the running game is a need for the Vikings to be able to help the offense throughout the whole year, but especially this early stretch. The good news for the team, these two are among the best duos in the league. This system may be new for the Vikings, but it is set to be one of the strengths of the team.
