The Minnesota Vikings managed to bring back veteran Aaron Jones Sr. on a revised contract this offseason. Kevin O’Connell will see two other veteran running backs return and sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne added to the mix.
Will that be enough to help take pressure away from whomever starts behind center for the Vikings this fall?
On June 19, Vikings Territory’s Dustin Baker didn’t predicted Minnesota to add another running back this offseason. But Baker didn’t rule it out either.
On a list of six potential Vikings summer surprises, Baker mentioned the possibility of Minnesota trading for a running back. The analyst then proposed Miami Dolphins third-year back Jaylen Wright as a possible target.
“With Frank Smith, formerly Miami’s offensive coordinator, now serving as Minnesota’s assistant head coach, a connection already exists,” wrote Baker. “Wright is currently Miami’s RB2, but the arrival of Ollie Gordon this summer could alter the depth chart. If Wright finds himself as the RB3, a new environment might be beneficial.
“His speed is a major asset, with a reported 4.38 40-yard dash time. Through two seasons, he has accumulated approximately 600 scrimmage yards and recently turned 23.”
Baker argued the Vikings could acquire Wright for a late-round selection.
Last season, Wright ran for 288 yards on 70 carries.
Could Vikings Trade for Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright?
GettyRunning back Jaylen Wright is entering his third season with the Miami Dolphins.
It seemed like the Dolphins running back every team was trying to acquire this offseason was De’Von Achane. But the electric starter signed a massive extension this offseason to stay in Miami.
The question in the months to follow that extension, though, is whether one of Miami’s other running backs will be available.
Behind Achane, the Dolphins also have Ollie Gordon II. The 2025 sixth-rounder averaged only 2.8 yards per carry as a rookie. But pundits have predicted the 22-year-old to earn playing time ahead of Wright.
If interested in adding another running back, it would be prudent for the Vikings to at least inquire about Wright’s availability.
Baker likes the Dolphins running back for his speed. In addition to a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time at the 2024 NFL combine, Wright posted a 1.55 10-yard split and 38-inch vertical jump.
In two seasons, Wright has recorded 537 rushing yards and two touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. He has also caught eight passes for 52 yards.
Over three campaigns at Tennessee during his college career, Wright ran for 2,297 yards while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. In 2023, he gained 1,013 yards on the ground with a 7.4 yards per rush average.
Vikings RB Depth Entering 2026 NFL Training Camp
GettyVikings Territory’s Dustin Baker argued the Minnesota Vikings could pursue a trade for Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright.
The Vikings have a pretty full running back room. That’s why Baker suggested the team could “surprise” with another running back addition and didn’t outright predict one to happen.
In addition to Jones coming back, Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott will return for the Vikings. The team also added Claiborne and full back Max Bredeson, along with undrafted rookie Kejon Owens, for the backfield.
If the Vikings acquire another running back, it probably should be one that would have a chance to unseat Jones as the starter. Such a move would give Minnesota a significant 1-2 backfield punch.
Adding another backup might not move the needle much.
Wright is intriguing, though, because of his upside mostly due to his speed. If he’s on the outs in Miami, the Vikings could bring him in for very little risk.
Bredeson and Claiborne were each Day 3 selections. So, they, along with Owens, aren’t guaranteed to be immediate contributors.
The best move for the Vikings might be to wait until training camp to see what the three rookies backs could bring this fall. If it’s not adequate depth, then pursuing someone such as Wright should become an option.
Vikings Encouraged to Pursue RB Trade for Kevin O’Connell’s Offense