The Minnesota Vikings had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league in 2023. As of now, Ty Chandler and Alexander Mattison are set to return, but could a bigger name back be the way to help improve the running game in 2024? Some people think so.
In a recent look at possible destinations for top free-agent running backs this offseason, Pro Football Focus' Brad Spielberger mentioned the Vikings as a possible landing spot for Derrick Henry or Devin Singletary.
Spielberger believes there might be "enough of a buy-low opportunity" for a cap-strapped Vikings front office to take a flyer on either player.
At 30 years old, Henry is the on the wrong side of the age curve for a running back. Henry rushed for 1,167 yards in 2023, seeing his yardage total drop from 1,538 yards in 2022. He's average between 4.2 and 4.4 yards per carry each of the last three seasons, down from his career best 5.4 yards per tote in 2020.
Spielberger also noted the front office's potential unwillingness to pay big for a runner after cutting Dalvin Cook last offseason, a move that proved wise after Cook rushed for just 214 yards averaging 3.2 yards per carry this season.
“As well as Ty Chandler played in a small sample, it’s clear from the last two years that they desperately need to improve the running game," Purple Insider's Matthew Coller told Bring Me The Sports. "The question is whether they think that was an issue with the running backs or scheme or offensive line. There’s no doubt that a better running back would increase the chances of an improved running game but one problem with veteran free agent running backs is that they often come with a lot of mileage. They could look for another situational type back instead of big-game hunting in free agency if they are concerned about the mileage issue."
Henry has led the NFL in rushing attempts in four of the past five seasons with over 280 attempts in each year. The one season Henry didn't lead the league was an injury-shortened 2021 season in which he was averaging a career high 27.4 carries per game.
If big-game hunting and mileage are a concern for an analytically-focused front office then a guy like Singletary could be another option for Minnesota.
Singletary rushed for 898 yards for Houston in 2023, breaking 200-plus carries for the first time in his career after spending four years in Buffalo. At 26, Singletary presents a much younger option than Henry.
"The Vikings are going to add a running back in some form or fashion, and perhaps they continue to deploy a committee approach with lower-cost options instead of making a bigger splash," wrote Spielberger.
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