In a stunning proposal, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis suggests that the Minnesota Vikings should sign Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley to strengthen their run game. Lewis argues that the Vikings should break away from the league-wide trend and invest in an experienced and dynamic player like Barkley. Despite his age, turning 27 this week, Barkley’s performance statistics show promise. His average yards after contact per rush ranked 24th among 49 qualified running backs last season. Lewis believes that adding Barkley to the Vikings’ skill player lineup could have a transformative effect on both him and the offense. Comparing it to the San Francisco 49ers’ trade for Christian McCaffrey, Lewis emphasizes that this move would be a bold swing for a team that cannot afford to miss.
Barkley is set to become a free agent after reports leaked that the New York Giants will not use the franchise tag on him this offseason. Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects Barkley to secure a two-year deal worth $22 million, making him the seventh-highest-paid running back ahead of the 2024 free agency.
The Vikings struggled in the red zone last season, ranking as one of the bottom-five teams with a 47.1% touchdown conversion rate. Their poor run game played a significant role in this statistic. The team only managed to score seven rushing touchdowns, placing them 30th in the NFL. Surprisingly, their leading rusher, Alexander Mattison, did not score a single rushing touchdown. Defenses effectively shut down the Vikings’ run game in the red zone, forcing them to rely heavily on their passing game.
Barkley’s physical attributes and agility make him an ideal candidate to improve the Vikings’ red zone performance. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 230 pounds, Barkley can power through defenders between the tackles and elude them in open space. Additionally, Barkley’s versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield would bring a new dimension to the Vikings’ offense under Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings’ coach has been vocal about creating more favorable situations on second and third downs, and adding Barkley to the mix would create mismatches all over the field. This would lead to more opportunities and consistent drives for the Vikings’ offense, relieving pressure on their defense.
Derrick Henry: Will the Vikings Make a Move?
The running back market is in turmoil once again as top backs face off against their teams. Last year, aging stars had to choose between taking a pay cut or being released, while rising stars like Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Barkley were left without long-term extensions and had to play on franchise tags.
But this offseason could bring some surprises. Could Derrick Henry, the star running back for the Tennessee Titans, end up with the Minnesota Vikings? According to PFF, if the price is right, it’s a possibility.
The Vikings’ rushing attack was one of the least efficient in the NFL last season, and they might be looking to bring in a young quarterback, regardless of whether they keep Kirk Cousins. The front office might not be willing to pay top dollar for a running back, especially after parting ways with Dalvin Cook before the 2023 season. But maybe there’s an opportunity to buy low on Henry.
Analysts have different opinions on Henry’s value in free agency. PFF predicts he could secure a deal worth $10 million a season, while Spotrac projects a one-year deal worth $4.3 million. The Vikings already have $4 million guaranteed for Mattison next season, so they might not be willing to spend big on a replacement. However, a trade could free up cap space and potentially bring in Henry.
Will the Vikings take the plunge and make a move for Derrick Henry? Only time will tell. But if they do, it could be a game-changer for their struggling rushing attack. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.