Zavier Scott: Everything you need to know

Minnesota re-signed Scott on Monday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. Scott made his regular-season debut in 2025 and ultimately suited up for 16 contests with the Vikings, totaling 32 carries for 114 yards (3.6 YPC) while adding 14 catches for 98 yards and a score through the air. He also contributed on special teams. Though Minnesota's backfield could undergo significant changes over the course of the offseason, Scott appears solidified as a depth option for the 2026 campaign.

Scott concluded the 2025-26 season with 32 carries for 114 yards and no touchdowns along with 14 catches on 16 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown over 16 games. Scott took on a significant role early in the campaign when starting RB Aaron Jones missed time due to a hamstring injury. While Scott worked behind Jordan Mason and logged double-digit offensive snaps Weeks 3 to 5, he didn't do much with the opportunity, tallying a combined 49 rushing yards on 15 totes. He did add 63 yards on seven receptions during that span, but most of his receiving output came in Week 4, when he posted a 6-43-1 line versus Pittsburgh. Overall, Scott registered a meager 3.6 yards per carry as a rusher, which doesn't exactly inspire confidence in his ability to ascend to a lead back. It's still impressive that Scott was able to see a decent amount of work after going undrafted, and he showed acumen as a pass catcher with 14 grabs on 16 targets, but he figures to remain in a depth role in 2026 if he returns to Minnesota (he'll be a restricted free agent this offseason).

Scott didn't play a snap on offense in Thursday's 23-10 win over the Lions, though he logged 10 snaps on special teams and made two tackles. With Jordan Mason (ankle) unable to play Thursday, there was some expectation that Scott could move into the RB2 role. Instead, that assignment went to Ty Chandler, who was just activated from IR on Tuesday and was available for the first time since Week 1. Even as the Vikings went to a run-heavy game plan on Christmas Day, Scott didn't log an offensive snap, with Aaron Jones (18-53-1) and Chandler (7-24-0) handling all of the RB reps. Even if Mason remains out to action for the season finale against the Packers next Sunday, it doesn't look like Scott will be targeted for a big role (unless the out-of-contention Vikings decide to rest vets like Jones and/or Chandler).