Vikings Linked to Blockbuster Trade for Controversial Pro Bowl Star

The Minnesota Vikings may be looking to bolster their running game after Aaron Jones suffered an injury in Week 2 and was placed on short-term injured reserve.

Jordan Mason, who signed with the Vikings as a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, was already poised to become the primary running back and has now fully stepped into that role. However, the team’s depth at the position is extremely limited.

Currently, only Zavier Scott remains on the active roster, while veteran Cam Akers, a three-time Viking, was called up to the game-day roster for the team’s 48-10 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Scott, an undrafted free agent from 2023, has potential but hasn’t proven himself enough to be relied upon as the clear RB2, or even as a co-lead back if head coach Kevin O’Connell opts for a running back-by-committee approach.

 

 

 

 

Vikings Trade Proposal Has Them Take One Of The Chiefs’ Running Backs

In this proposed trade scenario, the Vikings turn their attention to the AFC—namely, the Kansas City Chiefs, for reinforcements at running back.

The Chiefs haven’t exactly set the standard for elite ground production lately and might even need to pursue a deal of their own for additional backfield talent. That said, they boast a crowded group of options at the position: Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith, and Elijah Mitchell.

Brashard Smith has emerged as the most efficient option on a yards-per-carry basis, while Mitchell has seen minimal snaps despite his established reputation as a reliable contributor across the league.

As a result, it might make sense for the Vikings to relieve the Chiefs of one of their surplus backs—particularly Kareem Hunt—in return for modest draft picks.

 

 

 

 

Why A Trade For Kareem Hunt Makes Sense For The Vikings

Jordan Mason has been a standout for the Vikings, accounting for nearly 60% of the team’s rushing yards this season. The former 49er has proven his worth, posting an impressive 5.2 yards per carry last season in San Francisco while filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey.

However, in today’s NFL, no single running back can carry an entire team’s rushing attack alone. With Aaron Jones and former fifth-round pick Ty Chandler both sidelined on injured reserve, the Vikings lack reliable depth behind Mason, leaving head coach Kevin O’Connell with few trustworthy options.

 

 

 

 

Targeting Kareem Hunt could be a smart move. Since 2022, the former Cleveland Brown’s production has declined, dropping from 4.9 yards per carry in 2021 to 3.8 the following year, and he hasn’t surpassed 4.0 yards per carry in any season since. Despite this, Hunt brings veteran experience, having played for multiple teams and adapted to various offensive schemes. O’Connell has a knack for maximizing the potential of skill-position players, and Hunt’s experience could be a good fit. Given Hunt’s controversial past and his age—he turned 30 in August—the Vikings could likely acquire him for minimal draft compensation.