The Vikings may have a new quarterback in Kyler Murray, but the real shakeup in Minnesota could come on the ground.
Kevin O’Connell is still running the show as head coach and offensive playcaller, so the passing game may stay relatively familiar. The run game, though, might be headed for a much different look in 2026. And that shift could put Jordan Mason in position to pass Aaron Jones Sr. on the depth chart.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the Vikings brought in former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as assistant head coach with a clear purpose: to overhaul the run game. Graziano wrote, "They hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as assistant head coach with the intention of making major changes to their run game," Graziano writes. "Expect the Vikings to implement more wide-zone concepts this season as they work to make their running game a more reliable and integral part of their offense."
That matters because Mason fits that kind of system well. Graziano also noted, "People I talked to with the Vikings seemed to feel like the new system would be a particular benefit to Jordan Mason, so it's possible he emerges as the lead back."
Nothing is locked in yet, but the direction is pretty clear: Mason has a real shot to become Minnesota’s RB1.
Even if that happens, Jones would still have a meaningful role. The more likely outcome seems to be a heavier lean toward Mason rather than a true split, something closer to 60-40 than 50-50 - or a setup that tilts away from Jones entirely.
The numbers from last season back up the idea that Mason can handle a larger share. Jones had 132 rushing attempts in 12 games, while Mason carried 159 times in 16 games. Mason was also the more efficient runner, finishing with a 56% rushing success rate compared with Jones’ 50%.
Put the schematic changes together with Mason’s production, and he looks like a strong candidate to become a central piece of Minnesota’s rushing attack in 2026.
In Other News...
Vikings Suddenly Face A Bigger J.J. McCarthy Decision Than Expected
Sam Darnolds hip injury suddenly pushed the Vikings into a more complicated quarterback picture than they had a few days ago. After leaving the game, Darnold is scheduled for an MRI to learn how serious the injury is, and that diagnosis could shape Minnesotas availability at the position as the next stretch of games approaches.
The bigger wrinkle is what it means for J.J. McCarthy, who was already sitting behind the veterans on the depth chart. Minnesotas decision to keep him as the third-string option now carries more weight, especially with the Seahawks lingering as a possible trade partner thanks to past interest and familiar coaching ties. Seattles offense is also viewed as a cleaner fit for McCarthy than what he is working with in Minnesota, which only adds another layer to a decision the Vikings did not expect to be making this soon. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Add A Familiar Brian Flores Piece To An Unsettled Front Seven
The Vikings kept building out their front seven by bringing back a familiar name in Jihad Ward, a veteran edge rusher whose value has long been tied to his flexibility. Ward has spent time lining up both on the edge and inside, the kind of versatility Brian Flores has leaned on as he keeps reshaping the defense around interchangeable pieces and multiple looks.
For Minnesota, the move adds another experienced layer behind the established starters and fits with the broader push to stock the defense with veterans who can handle different roles. Wards previous pass-rush production gives the Vikings something useful, but his arrival also underscores how unsettled this group still is as the team keeps sorting out exactly how the front seven will settle in. [Read more 🡒]
Which Vikings Rookies Will Actually Factor Into The Packers Opener
The Vikings are carrying a full crop of rookies into the start of the season, with eight draft picks on the 53-man roster and only Gavin Gerhardt heading elsewhere after landing on the Texans practice squad. As the Week 1 trip to face the Packers approaches, the question is less about which newcomers made the team and more about which ones will actually be part of the game plan when the opener kicks off.
Most of the names in that group are not being projected as instant starters, but several should still have a real role right away based on preseason showing, depth-chart fit and the specific needs of this matchup. Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Domonique Orange, Caleb Tiernan, Jakobe Thomas and Max Bredeson all look positioned to help in some mix of rotation snaps and special teams work, giving Minnesota a rookie class that may not headline the depth chart but still could matter in a division game with plenty of early-season pressure. [Read more 🡒]