In a piece written by Matthew Davis of Heavy.com, USA Today’s Vikings Wire writer Andrew Harbaugh floated the idea of former Dallas Cowboy and Carolina Panther Rico Dowdle taking over in Minnesota's backfield after the release of veteran Aaron Jones. He stated, 

“Rico Dowdle came in like a wrecking ball for the Panthers when he was given a chance to do so in 2025,” Harbaugh wrote.

“He racked up 1,076 rushing yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry and was a major reason his team won the NFC South. Dowdle could make the same impact for the Vikings if they decide to bring him in and could be the lead back ahead of Mason if they wanted.”