Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (32) runs with the ball during an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. - Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings thought that they had a well-planned succession strategy at running back for the 2023 season. Rather than try to absorb Dalvin Cook’s $14.1 million cap hit, the team elected to release him and resign his backup, Alexander Mattison. The team also had two promising young runners in Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu. And they had just drafted the promising back DeWayne McBride out of UAB.
Plans Went Awry in 2023
So much for well laid plans. The offense line struggled to open up holes early in the season. Mattison put together a string of disappointing performances hampered by negative yardage runs and dropped passes. Nwangwu missed nine games with a back injury and was never a factor in the Vikings running back equation.
McBride was deemed not ready and spent the year on the teams practice squad. Veterans Cam Akers and Myles Gaskins were brought in but neither made a significant impact. Only Chandler showed some spark and thus is slated for the number one slot in 2024.
None of this was helped of course by the season ending injury to quarterback Kirk Cousins. His mid-season exit forced a greater emphasis on the Vikings ground game. It also forced the team to employ three different quarterbacks, all who delivered subpar performances.
Vikings hope Chandler is the One
So, the Vikings plan for the 2024 season with many unanswered questions at this position. Chandler is the presumed starter but what will his workload look like. Questions remain about his durability and also his pass-blocking ability. Those questions are hopefully sorted out between now and the beginning of the regular season.
Mattison will likely return as the backup, partly because the Vikings would take a heavy dead cap hit if he were released. He also has performed well as Cook’s backup from 2019-2022. The offense line improved as a run blocking unit as the season progressed so that should be an asset to all of the backs.
The Reliable C.J. Ham
The other certainty in the Vikings backfield is the return of fullback C.J. Ham. At a time when many teams are phasing out the use of a fullback, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has found a new way to utilize Ham’s football intelligence and blocking skills.
Ham has transformed into a third down pass blocking specialist and the Vikings are overjoyed with the results. As a result of his outstanding play at this position, Ham was just selected for his second Pro Bowl appearance.
Vikings Unsettled at the Position
After that, the picture gets murkier. Nwangwu has not impressed the coaches with his running ability, and he had a subpar year in 2023 on his kick return duties. He may have a difficult time retaining his roster spot for the 2024 season.
McBride is a wild card as he did not warrant a promotion to the 53-man roster last season. Hardly a ringing endorsement of his potential at a position that was not a strong point for the team in 2023.
Akers had his 2023 season cut short due to an Achilles injury and he remains unsigned for 2024. The Vikings may choose to bring him back due to his affordable salary and pass blocking skills. Gaskins has been resigned for next season on a futures contract. But he only appeared in two games last season, and he was confined to special teams play only.
Hope Through Free Agency and the Draft
There have also been recent rumors about the Vikings interest in free agent Zach Moss. Moss would certainly constitute an upgrade over the team’s other third back possibilities. It would also be a hedge in case Chandler struggles as the full-time starter.
And they could also seek help in the NFL draft to help bolster the position. If the Vikings choose that route, keep an eye on players such as Kimani Vidal out of Troy University or Clemson’s Will Shipley as possible selections.
Beefing up the running back position has taken on added importance after the Vikings’ quarterback struggles of last season and Cousins’ unknown future with the team. Hopefully the improved play of the offensive line and the versatility of options at the position will lead to better results in 2024.
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