4 former Vikings players that could return for the 2021 season
By Adam Patrick
Jerick McKinnon – RB
2020 Stats:
- 81 carries, 319 rushing yards
- 33 catches, 253 receiving yards
- 6 touchdowns (5 rushing, 1 receiving)
- 12 kick returns, 19.9 yards per return
Four years ago, Jerick McKinnon was a part of the 2017 Vikings that made it all the way to the NFC Championship.
Since then, McKinnon has dealt with multiple knee injuries that caused him to miss all of the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Last year, he finally returned to the field as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, and he reminded people why Minnesota used a third-round draft pick on him back in 2014.
After spending the last three seasons with the Vikings, Ameer Abdullah is scheduled to become a free agent this year. Minnesota could be looking for someone to fill Abdullah’s role on the team if he doesn’t return and McKinnon could be that guy.
McKinnon has a similar skill-set to Abdullah, but the former Vikings running back has tended to be more productive with his opportunities on the field during his career. Like Abdullah, McKinnon can also take the role of Minnesota’s kick returner if needed.
McKinnon shouldn’t be commanding top dollar in free agency this year, which is perfect since the Vikings aren’t expected to have much spending money to work with this offseason anyway.