RB · MIN · 27 yrs · exp 4 · Georgia Tech
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Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 2,669
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This article ranks the top 10 running back duos in the NFL for the 2026 season, considering individual stardom, balanced backfields, and recent production against projections. It also includes honorable mentions and discusses specific player pairings and their potential impact
Aaron Jones, David Montgomery, Jordan Mason traded
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne was selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after he recorded 1,047 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns across 12 games at Wake Forest in 2025. In Minnesota, Claiborne joins a crowded running back room that also includes Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, and Zavier Scott. As a result, Claiborne may have a difficult time carving out a fantasy-relevant role in his first NFL season. However, both Jones Sr. and Mason will be free agents at the end of the 2026 season, leaving the Vikings without a clear running back of the future. Weighing in at under 200 lbs., Claiborne is a bit undersized for a true three-down role in the NFL. Still, he brings high-end speed and could be worth targeting as a dynasty stash candidate in rookie drafts
We haven’t seen Jacob Cowing catch a pass since 2024. The 41-yard pass against the Chiefs in Week 7 of his rookie year feels like an eon ago. He was on the field for 175 snaps that season, mixed between wide receiver and returner. He was a good one. One kickoff return was 32 yards. Multiple punt returns went for double-digits. The fact that Cowing began the season as the starting punt returner tells you how the coaching staff felt about his ability with the ball in his hands. The allure of Cowing is tantalizing. You can throw him a screen, use him down the field, but also capitalize on his speed on intermediate routes. There’s a place for Cowing in Shanahan’s offense any year. The problem is that the last time we saw him, he was sharing the field with Ronnie Bell , Jordan Mason , Chris Conley , Eric Saubert , and a No. 14 wearing Pearsall. The roster is a little different in 2026, and the 49ers still don’t know what they have in Cowing beyond offseason platitudes. Last offseason, Shanahan said Cowing “put in some of the most work that anyone did over the offseason.” This spring, Kyle said, “I was really excited how Jordan and Jake came back. You could tell they came back; it wasn’t just healthy. You could tell they’ve been putting work in. They’ve come here, to me, to play and work.” If every 49ers player were to line up in the end zone and race to mid-field, my money would be on Cowing being the first to cross the 50. He has another gear, and you could see it in OTAs when he was behind the secondary multiple times. Age: 25 Experience: 2 accrued seasons Height: 5’8 Weight: 175 pounds Cowing has two years remaining on his rookie deal. His base salary is $1.075 million in 2026, and he’ll receive $132,177 of his prorated signing bonus. If the 49ers wanted to move on from Cowing, they’d lose his signing bonus in dead money, but save his base salary in cap savings. Cowing hurt his hamstring in OTAs and training camp as a rookie. Then he returned and had another setback in the form of a shoulder injury. Last July, Cowing sustained a serious hamstring strain on the first day of training camp. Then not only did he re-injure it, but he also fully pulled his hamstring during the rehab process. That caused the 49ers to shut him down and place him on the season-long IR. The 49ers toyed with the idea of activating Cowing toward the end of the season, but Shanahan ultimately said it would be unrealistic for him to play . Cowing told reporters that he has addressed his injury issue and that it’s a thing of the past. But history isn’t on his side, and he’ll need to prove he can make it through a training camp before the 49ers can rely on him. Per Sports Info Solutions, 63% of Brock Purdy ’s pass attempts last season came 10 yards or under. While that may fit some narratives, that is not the kind of quarterback Purdy wants to be. He wants to live in the intermediate portion of the field and occasionally uncork it deep. In 2023, his short passes were in the 50th percentile while he targeted the intermediate part of the field 27% of the time. Purdy’s intermediate attempts dipped to 21% last season. That, to me, is not a Purdy stat. That’s a 49ers receiver stat. You’re not going to design an offense that runs routes between 12 and 18 yards when your wideouts consist of Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings . The “swirl” routes were crossed out of the playbook because there were no vertical threats without Pearsall. Below, Cowing is the wideout in motion against Christian Gonzalez —one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL — running a swirl route: Last year, most cornerbacks were squatting on those routes without fear of a vertical threat. You cannot do that with Cowing. And it’s not just stretching the field vertically. Cowing’s addition would allow the 49ers to use him on deep crossing routes where he can use his god-given ability to run away from cornerbacks. That was on full display during OTAs. Cowing would be a couple of steps [... truncated ...]
As Minnesota Vikings training camp approaches, Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano of The Real Forno Show break down every position on the roster — from the high-stakes quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy to a revamped run game, a new “bully ball” wide receiver, and a defensive line full of unknowns. If you want to know where this Vikings team truly stands heading into camp, this episode delivers the sharpest analysis in the Vikings podcast space. The biggest storyline this offseason remains the quarterback room. Tyler laid out a clear framework: “ Carson Wentz won’t get elevated to being the starter… Carson will stay QB2.” The thinking is that keeping both Murray and McCarthy on the roster removes the pressure from whoever wins — a dynamic Tyler credits as a key reason Sam Darnold thrived in 2024. On the run game, Jordan Mason emerges as a sleeper: “ Jonathan Taylor had more carries at Wisconsin than Jordan Mason has had in four years of college and four years in the pros. Let that sink in for a second.” With fresh legs and a Frank Smith wide-zone scheme, Mason could be a breakout candidate. At receiver, Jauan Jennings changes everything: “Jennings is a bully. He’s gonna play like Dennis Rodman. That’s a different element for this offense.” QB Competition: Tyler believes one of Murray or McCarthy will be cut or traded — “if Kyler does not get the starting job, I think he’ll request a trade.” Kevin O’Connell’s QB Development: “He’s a veteran quarterback whisperer… but as far as developing a quarterback, he’s not shown he can do that yet.” Jordan Mason sleeper alert: Low tread on the tires at age 27, fits the new wide-zone scheme perfectly. Jauan Jennings changes the red zone: “Having the curveball of a physical presence like Jennings completely changes the dynamic of your play calling.” Edge rusher depth is a concern: “I hope they sign Jadeveon Clowney … eight and a half sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 40 pressures” on minimal snaps. Jake Golday’s role: “Van Ginkel is an edge rusher who does off-ball stuff. Golday is an off-ball guy who does edge rusher stuff.” Defensive line youth: Caleb Banks and Dominic Orange project as future starters — “I don’t expect it [day one], but they’re good players, drafted for a reason.” Harrison Smith : “He’s gone until he’s back, and right now I don’t see him coming back.” View Link Or on your favorite podcast aggregator. This episode of The Real Forno Show is exactly why Vikings fans tune in every week — unfiltered, film-room-level analysis from Tyler Forness, one of the sharpest voices covering Minnesota football. Whether you’re a die-hard or a casual fan trying to get ready for training camp, this breakdown of every position group is required listening before the pads go on. Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL , with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow . Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN . What position battle are you most excited to watch in Vikings training camp — the QB competition or the edge rusher depth race?
After recording 1,047 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on 207 touches across 12 games in his senior season at Wake Forest, running back Demond Claiborne was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Claiborne is unlikely to see significant playing time in Minnesota as a rookie, as he enters the year with veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason both firmly ahead of him on the running back depth chart. However, neither Jones Sr. nor Mason is currently under contract with the Vikings beyond the 2026 season. Claiborne is undersized for an NFL running back, but he brings a speed element that could allow him to establish himself as a key piece of the Minnesota offense going forward. Given the clear long-term opportunity available in the Vikings backfield, Claiborne profiles as a worthy late-round dart throw for dynasty managers in rookie drafts
Drops: Jordan Mason
According to overthecap, the Vikings currently have 13.1M in cap space for the 2026 season and 46.1M for the 2027 season. In 2027, as of today, the internal unrestricted free agents will be Brian O’Neill , Andrew Van Ginkel , Jordan Mason , Kyler Murray, Jauan Jennings , Blake Brandel , Aaron Jones , Isaiah Rodgers , Ivan Pace Jr , Carson Wentz , Eric Johnson, Johnny Hekker (who?), Ryan Van Demark , Andrew DePaola , and Jay Ward . The restricted free agents will be Jalen Redmond , Bo Richter , Dwight McGlothern , Josh Ross, and Kahlef Hailassie . They have a bunch of EFRAs which may or may not be on the team by next year which could be the case for a couple of the RFAs. These players have void years that could convert to dead money in 2027. Van Ginkel – 8.8M, Hockenson – 7.1M, Cashman – 3.1M, & Mason 2.4M. These players have dead money in 2027. Harrison Smith – 7.6M, Jonathan Allen – 4.67M, and Monkell Goodwine – 6.7M. I am hoping they get a deal done for O’Neill prior to or right around the start of training camp. His deal will take some out of the 2027 cap. It’s possible (maybe even probable) that they extend Van Ginkel at some point in order to utilize that 8.8M hitting the cap already. They could extend him and when you factor the signing bonus his cap hit in 2027 (void year charges) would and should be a little less. The new GM has a lot to do but obviously needs to see the season play out no? What are the chances the team will be competitive in 2026 and remain that way going forward? What steps should the take? Breaking down every NFL team’s offseason spending and most expensive free agent https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-teams-offseason-spending-most-expensive-free-agent/ Mandatory minicamps are wrapping up all around the league, which means it’s time for summer vacation for the NFL at large until training camps ring in the start of a new season at the tail end of July. That means now is a perfect time to assess all 32 NFL teams’ differing levels of spending in free agency this offseason as how the league looks today will probably be close to how it looks come July. It’s also worth spotlighting how many free agents all of the teams were able to reel in with money spent as well as highlighting the player they allocated the most cash toward in the 2026 offseason. Enjoy our spending breakdown for every NFL team this offseason. Minnesota Vikings Total free agent spending: $53.73 million Number of free agents signed: 10 Most expensive free agent signing: WR Jauan Jennings (One year for $8 million with $6.13 million fully guaranteed) The Minnesota Vikings were up against it from a salary cap perspective entering free agency, which hindered how active they were this offseason. Minnesota began around $43 million over the salary cap, but was able to clear up space with the retirement of offensive lineman Ryan Kelly, plus contract restructures for wide receiver Justin Jefferson , left tackle Christian Darrisaw and cornerback Byron Murphy . Trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles also helped decrease the Vikings ’ financial issues. Cutting defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were also subtractions the Vikings needed to make to their roster this offseason. While they weren’t big spenders, their most expensive free agent signing on an average per year basis — San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings — fills a key need. Minnesota lost speedster Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders , but Jennings can certainly make up for some of the production lost in Nailor’s departure. Since 2024, Jennings’ 83 receiving first downs rank 28th in the NFL. Once 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy returned from injury in Week 11 in 2025, Jennings’ six receiving touchdowns from Week 11 to the end of the regular season were tied for the second most in the entire league. He’ll be a prime secondary weapon for whomever emerges in the quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. Bleacher [... truncated ...]
Across 15 games in 2025, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson recorded 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets. While Hockenson's numbers don't jump off the page, the Vikings got some of the worst quarterback play in the league in 2025 from the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota's passing game should be significantly improved in 2026 following the offseason acquisition of veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Still, Hockenson's production has been trending downwards in recent years, and he's now entering his age-29 season and the final year of his current contract with the Vikings. Minnesota also signed former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, who seems likely to take Hockenson's role as the tertiary pass-catcher in Minnesota alongside star wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Dynasty managers may want to consider selling Hockenson before his stock drops even further in 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison's 2025 season got off to an unfortunate start, as he missed the first three games due to a suspension. The 24-year-old then posted the least productive year of his career upon his return, hauling in 42 receptions for 610 yards and three touchdowns on 79 targets across 14 games. Despite the underwhelming 2025 campaign, there may be reason for fantasy managers to buy in on an Addison bounce-back. The Vikings had one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL last season with the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota signed veteran signal-caller Kyler Murray this past offseason, who should bring a significantly higher level of stability to the team's passing game in 2026. Addison has proven he can be an explosive player in a competent offense, averaging 13.4 yards per reception and scoring 19 touchdowns over the first two years of his career. In dynasty formats, Addison profiles as a clear buy-low target for managers
Despite concerns about his pass-catching ability, Kyle Shanahan is confident that 49ers rookie RB Kaelon Black can develop into a valuable asset in the passing game, citing similar development paths for past players like Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell
This article highlights late-round fantasy football sleepers for dynasty startups and redraft leagues, focusing on players who offer significant value beyond pick 150. It emphasizes Tre Harris of the Chargers as a potential breakout candidate due to his efficiency and expected increased role in the Mike McDaniel offense, and Jordan Mason as a running back with strong breakaway ability whose volume could increase
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan announced that running back Isaac Guerendo tore a pectoral muscle about a month ago. The injury is not season-ending, and Guerendo is expected to return near the end of training camp. Guerendo, who had a limited role in 2025, is competing for a roster spot and is battling Kaelon Black for the third running back position
Mason has quietly established himself as one of the league's most solid pure runners, accomplishing the uncommon feat of averaging 5.1 yards per carry over his first 395 rushing attempts. That's especially tough to pull off as a power back who mostly works between the tackles -- some runners juice their rushing average with timely if not lucky chunk gains on draws or in situations where the defense isn't ready for the run, but Mason earns his yardage with the defense squared up. There are at least two significant hurdles limiting Mason's upside all the same: the first is that Mason hasn't gotten many chances as a receiver, drawing only 34 targets on 947 snaps (82.4 percent catch rate, 5.1 YPT), and the second is that Mason has shown a fumbling tendency the last two years, dropping the ball six times on just 337 touches from scrimmage. Mason's otherwise standout running ability rapidly loses its usefulness when he's fumbling, and if he continues to fumble roughly once every 50 touches, he'll likely lose playing time at some point. In the meantime, veteran Aaron Jones is probably diminished enough as a runner for Mason to remain the Vikings' preferred runner between the tackles, though Jones will likely take the passing downs and in-space touches
The Vikings' reduction in spending has sparked speculation about a possible sale
Adds: Jordan Mason
Drops: Jordan Mason
Adds: Jordan Mason
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