The Minnesota Vikings might be about a week away from the trade deadline, and one thing is crystal clear: the running back room needs a boost.
That proof was in the pudding during the Vikings' 19-15 Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions, when running backs Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and DeeJay Dallas struggled to get things rolling. They finished with a combined 14 carries for 46 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Kyler Murray's 8.8 yards per carry helped the team's overall 4.5-yard average look better, but the backs still didn't do much.
If there wasn't enough evidence of what the Vikings needed at the trade deadline, I'm not sure what else fans needed to see. The good news is the team has identified the need and has a prime target in place. It's on Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley to get the job done.
Vikings' first seven games show a struggling pattern at running back
Really, the biggest problem with this Vikings offense is that they don't have a big home-run hitter in the backfield who can change the course of a game. This season, Minnesota has had only four running plays for 20 yards or more. Their longest run of the year came from Murray and was 35 yards.
Not exactly ideal to see a quarterback have the longest run.
Looking at the team's running backs and their averages, Jones leads with just 4.2 yards per carry. Mason averages just 3.9 yards per carry, Dallas averages 3.5, and rookie Demond Claiborne averages 2.2 yards per carry.
The reality is that the Vikings need to change something with their backfield and do it in a hurry. Jones is still solid, but he's a backup at best and at the twilight of his career. Mason is also more of a backup, but he regressed this season, with the injury affecting his performance. Dallas is just a role guy, and the Vikings aren't ready to let Claiborne loose yet in 2026.
Minnesota is a piece or two away from being Super Bowl contenders, and the Vikings know it. If they want to reach that level, the Vikings must address running back, and they have a prime candidate: Jonathan Taylor.
Vikings need to go all-in on a Jonathan Taylor trade
Taylor is exactly the running back the Vikings need. He alone has five runs of 20 or more yards, one more than the entire Minnesota team.
Despite the Colts being in rebuild mode, Taylor is still having a strong start to the 2026 season. He has rushed for 610 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
His average per carry might not be where he wants it, but he's facing defenses every week that load the box with eight or nine defenders, knowing Taylor is getting the carry. It's been impressive to see what he has been able to do under the circumstances.
Pairing Taylor with Jones and Mason would make for a stellar backfield and take even more pressure off of Murray. Having Taylor at running back would open up the passing game, since more defenders would be in the box. Plus, Taylor won't have to carry the ball 25 to 30 times a game as he does in Indianapolis, so he'll face fewer punishments.
Minnesota has to make a bold move after losing its first game of the season and not losing the momentum it built at the start of the year. Getting someone like Taylor at running back is a game-changer that flips the whole season on its head. Vikings can't pass up the chance to get him, no matter the price.
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