Aaron Jones is up there in age and Jordan Mason has issues pass protecting
The NFL is a constant evolving league with schemes, philosophies, and thought processes. The league went from building offenses around a workhorse running back to employing multiple backs and only a handful commanding big money and long-term extensions. There are always exceptions to the rule such as Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and others, but for the most part organizations lean to drafting running backs for the cheap and letting them walk when they are owed big money or losing effectiveness.
As far as the Vikings go, Aaron Jones is in his 30's, which might as well be 70-something years old if you're asking some. Jordan Mason is an inexpensive change of pace back. Jones isn't washed, but it may be time to reinvest in the position with a later round draft pick.
But what if Minnesota decided to add a younger running back in free agency? The name linked to the Vikings is Breece Hall. The former Iowa State running back is coming off his time as a New York Jet, who seem intent on drafting a running back and passing on Hall's contract demands, which may reach what Josh Jacobs got from the Green Bay Packers.
He would be a youthful shot in the arm for Minnesota, but is the price tag worth it? Cody Williams of FanSided has predicted Minnesota as Hall's landing spot this offseason.
"Amid the Jets' fire sale at the trade deadline, it was perhaps most shocking that Breece Hall stayed put in New York. Some have speculated that means they'll look to retain him — but are the Jets really in the business right now of being able to pay a running back? I don't think so, especially with Hall projected to get something in the $12 million AAV range that Josh Jacobs got. But with Aaron Jones aging and Jordan Mason not working out, he'd make a ton of sense around J.J. McCarthy moving forward under Kevin O'Connell."
The Vikings already made big moves this offseason since their quarterback is on a rookie deal. While he's still cheap, the front office could opt for a bit of a splash at running back. Personally, I'd rather invest that money into another position and draft a running back prospect to pair with either Mason or another inexpensive option.
Hall is a fine player, no doubt, but not the type of game changer for this offense given his potential contract.