The Minnesota Vikings are hoping to make a push back into serious playoff contention during the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
Last year, the Vikings suffered a major setback. After being one of the best teams in the league back in 2024 with Sam Darnold leading the way, the team made the decision to move on from Darnold and roll with young signal caller J.J. McCarthy in 2025.
That decision backfired in a big way.
Darnold ended up signing with the Seattle Seahawks on a lucrative three-year deal and led his new team to a Super Bowl win. Minnesota, on the other hand, missed the playoffs and didn’t see enough from McCarthy to view him as the future. The Vikings signed Kyler Murray this offseason in free agency.
With that being said, the 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner. Minnesota will have a chance to become a much more serious contender with the right decisions and selections.
Vikings Showing Interest in Potential New Running Back
As the NFL Draft continues to draw closer, the Vikings have reportedly shown some interest in a running back prospect.
According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Minnesota hosted a top-30 visit with Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson on Monday.
“Source: Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson concluded a 30-visit with the Vikings,” Schultz wrote on X.
“Johnson ran for 1,451 yards and 15 total TDs last season en route to 1st-Team All-American honors for the Cornhuskers. He is considered a likely top-100 pick.”
Johnson could be a very intriguing target for the Vikings. They could use some running back help, especially for the future past the 2026 NFL season.
Why the Vikings Could Show Interest in Running Back Help
Heading into the NFL offseason, the expectation was that Minnesota would move on from veteran running back Aaron Jones. The two sides were able to work out a contract restructure to keep him in town for the 2026 season.
Even with Jones coming back for another year, the Vikings know that he won’t be a long-term option.
Behind Jones, the team has Jordan Mason. The 26-year-old running back is coming off of a season in Minnesota that saw him carry the football 159 times for 758 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He also caught 14 passes for 51 yards.
Mason is a quality running back, but he isn’t an ideal every down workhorse. He also doesn’t provide dual-threat ability.
Johnson, on the other hand, caught 46 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns during the 2025 season with the Cornhuskers. He totaled 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns on 251 carries as well, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.
It will be interesting to see what the Vikings choose to do in the backfield. Johnson is a name to keep a close eye on during the 2026 NFL Draft.
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