Vikings Named as Potential Suitor for Derrick Henry by PFF Analyst & Former Team Intern

The Minnesota Vikings, as we know them in 2024, are not the most run-friendly offense in the NFL. In fact, quite the opposite of that, ranking near the bottom of the league in rushing attempts each of the past two seasons.

Minnesota Vikings potential suitors for Derrick Henry, other running backs

But, that hasn’t stopped them from being linked to some big name running backs already this offseason. And on Monday, it happened again, this time over at PFF, where salary cap expert and former Vikings intern, Brad Spielberger named Minnesota as a potential landing spot for legendary Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry.

Minnesota’s rushing attack was one of the least efficient across the NFL this past season, and they may also be looking to bring along a young quarterback whether or not they keep Kirk Cousins in the fold. This front office may not be viewed as one very likely to pay top dollar to the running back position, especially after they sharply moved on from Dalvin Cook before the 2023 season, but maybe there’s enough of a buy-low opportunity here on Henry.

Brad Spielberger – PFF

Related: Vikings Insider Reveals Team’s Interest in 2024 NFL Draft Quarterbacks

Vikings also linked to Devin Singletary

Henry wasn’t the only person that Brad has the Vikings interested in. He also tied them to Detroit Lions running back, Devin Singletary, who he tags as the less splashy option, should general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decide not to go all-in on the all-time Titans great.

If he and head coach Kevin O’Connell decide to stick with their Alexander Mattison tag-team approach, Singletary is a more likely addition. Last season, Mattison ran for 700 yards on 180 attempts (3.9 YPC), not ideal numbers for a legitimate RB1.

The Vikings are going to add a running back in some form or fashion, and perhaps they continue to deploy a committee approach with lower-cost options instead of making a bigger splash.

Brad Spielberger – PFF

Obviously, Derrick Henry is a monster name, so any connection he has to the Minnesota Vikings is newsworthy. But even if it doesn’t end up being Henry, there is a lot evidence pointing to Kwesi & Co getting very serious about improving the run game to an extent that KOC feels comfortable to run the ball more often.

We’ll see if better options will make him more apt to run the ball. But having bigger names in the huddle at the running back position should, in theory, make the Vikings’ play caller more comfortable calling for the ball to stay on the ground AND feel more pressure to do so, as well.

Related: PFN Mock Draft has Minnesota Vikings Trading Way Up for QB of the Future

Do these running back rumors mean anything for the Vikings’ future with Kirk Cousins? Eh, not that I see. Derrick Henry will be somewhat spendy compared to other running backs, but he’s still a running back. The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of options that can help relieve salary cap pressure. Even a Henry signing wouldn’t affect their ability to get something done with Kirk, Justin Jefferson or Danielle Hunter.