The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings 2019 Offseason: The plan for the running backs

By Chris Schad

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) T.J. Yeldon
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) T.J. Yeldon /

Potential Free-Agent Targets

  • T.J. Yeldon

  • Bilal Powell

  • Mike Davis

  • Adrian Peterson

If the Vikings do not decide to re-sign Murray, there are several options on the free-agent market that would make for a solid backup.

At the top of this list is T.J. Yeldon, who was a former second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, but he wasn’t a big producer in two seasons as a starter. Backing up Leonard Fournette, Yeldon was more effective, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and adding in 85 catches for 711 yards and four touchdowns over the past two seasons.

If the Vikings are looking for a dual-threat backup similar to Yeldon, they may also take a look at Bilal Powell. The 30-year-old seemed to show flashes with the New York Jets, but he never got a real opportunity to carry the mail despite a strong 2016 season where he ran for 722 yards and added 388 receiving yards to go with five total touchdowns.

There are also a couple of options that would work if the Vikings are looking for a bruiser. Mike Davis had a revival with the Seattle Seahawks last season working in tandem with Chris Carson and he set career highs in yards (514), touchdowns (4) and receiving yards (214). Davis’ skill set also could be similar to Murray should he depart.

Finally, for those looking for a good narrative, Adrian Peterson’s name has been tossed around for a potential return. After Terrell Davis mentioned the idea, the thought of Peterson in purple again is intriguing, but the messy breakup could prevent that from happening.

Mix in his age (turns 34 on March 21) and what happened the last time he was behind a younger running back, it’s unlikely he would suddenly hop on the nostalgia train.

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