Looking ahead to the 2025 offseason, Ty Chandler is the only current Minnesota Vikings running back whose contract won't expire at the end of the 2024 campaign. So, yes, that means Aaron Jones and Cam Akers, Minnesota's top two running backs on the team's current depth chart this year are scheduled to become free agents in 2025.
With the cap space the Vikings are expected to have next year (over $76 million), it wouldn't be surprising if they attempted to re-sign Jones, given how productive he has been in the team's offense this season.
But even if Minnesota brings him back, there's a good chance that they will end up also using selection on a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. Among the running back prospects the Vikings could add in 2025 is someone who was recently named the Big Ten Running Back of the Year.
Minnesota Vikings suggested as a potential fit for Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson
Next year's NFL Draft is expected to include a very talented group of running backs, headlined by Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. But if Jeanty gets taken off the board before Minnesota gets a chance to select him, the Vikings could turn their attention to Iowa's Kaleb Johnson.
In fact, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski recently included Minnesota in a group of three NFL teams that could be possible fits for Johnson at the pro level. The Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers were the other two teams listed, and it shouldn't be hard to figure out why based on what type of NFL offense Sobleski believes would suit Johnson the best.
"When Johnson gets rolling, the 225-pound back plants decisively and gets downhill while running behind his pads. He should fit in nicely with zone-heavy schemes that require backs with enough patience and vision to press the hole and then immediately explode through the openings."
As Sobleski mentioned, Johnson is listed at 225 pounds, so he's already got the frame to endure the high level of physicality in the NFL that running backs have to deal with every time they touch the ball.
In 12 games at Iowa this season, Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries (6.4 per attempt), in addition to catching 22 passes for 188 yards and two more scores. He's currently viewed as a late Day 1 (first round) or early Day 2 (second and third rounds) draft pick.