EAGAN, Minn. — One of many worst-kept secrets and techniques of the Minnesota Vikings' offseason was their plan to create a substantive backfield rotation after they relied nearly completely on veteran Aaron Jones Sr. final season. Inside every week of the beginning of free company, they'd adopted by by re-signing Jones and buying Jordan Mason in a commerce with the San Francisco 49ers.
What that rotation will appear to be, nonetheless, is without doubt one of the mysteries of coaching camp.
“I am unsure,” Jones mentioned.
“It is going to roll how it will roll,” Mason mentioned
“You may take a look at it lots of methods,” in accordance with coach Kevin O'Connell.
No NFL coach would spell out an in depth technique in public, in fact, and the reality is that the cut up of carries amongst Jones, Mason and maybe fourth-year backup Ty Chandler will range primarily based on sport circumstances. However early coaching camp practices have supplied some clues. Jones acquired the preliminary snaps in most drills, whereas Mason opened Monday's full-pads observe with the primary carry of first-team drills.
A overview of O'Connell's historical past on the place can also be instructive.
The Vikings had been one of many NFL's most pass-happy groups in O'Connell's first two seasons, with the NFL's fourth-highest charge of designed passes (66.4%) from 2022 to 2023. He pulled again noticeably upon Jones' arrival final season, which coincided with the transition from Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold at quarterback, because the Vikings ranked No. 16 at 61%.
One fixed over O'Connell's tenure is that his prime working again has gotten not less than two-thirds of the workforce's snaps and working again carries. That was true for Dalvin Cook dinner in 2022, Alexander Mattison in 2023 (earlier than accidents slowed him in Week 10) and Jones final season. In different phrases, something lower than a 2:1 snap ratio between Jones and Mason will likely be a notable departure from that sample.
However primarily based on camp observations up to now, that is precisely what's prone to occur — even after Jones set profession highs in touches (306), carries (255), offensive snaps (700) and dashing yards (1,138) in 2024 on the comparatively historical age of 30. Whereas it seems unlikely that the cut up between Mason and Jones will likely be 50-50, early indications are that will probably be a lot nearer to that than the Vikings' earlier splits beneath O'Connell.
Talking on the opening day of camp, O'Connell mentioned the whole plan will likely be primarily based on “what makes the quarterback's job simpler,” a reference to the ascendance of J.J. McCarthy as a first-year starter. O'Connell mentioned it's important for working backs to determine a “rhythm” and recommended there are methods to get Jones and Mason on the sector collectively.
“We have got really a mix that can trigger lots of issues,” O'Connell mentioned, “between having two nice backs which might be totally different physique sorts, perhaps totally different talent units. However they're full backs. … There's lots of issues schematically that we will attempt. After which, as we get in direction of the season, what provides us benefits?”
The 49ers didn't use Mason a lot of their passing sport, focusing on him 14 instances in 45 video games over three seasons, however he impressed the Vikings this spring together with his receiving abilities. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips referred to him as “a pure so far as catching the ball” and famous that he can “additionally stick his foot within the floor and alter path.” It was an vital talent to doc — and acknowledge publicly — in order that the Vikings can keep away from tipping their early-season play intent primarily based on whether or not Jones or Mason is within the sport.
Jones, in the meantime, has loads of expertise in what the Vikings hope to implement. One purpose he set so many profession highs in 2024 is that he had spent practically his complete profession in backfield committee techniques with the Inexperienced Bay Packers, sharing snaps with Jamaal Williams from 2017 to 2020 after which AJ Dillon from 2021 to 2023. He informed ESPN that he did not really feel worn down after final season however could not argue in opposition to including Mason.
“I will be his greatest cheerleader,” Jones mentioned, “and I am used to splitting snaps. While you do cut up snaps, it raises each guys' video games. It is like, you see him do good and also you hype him up, and then you definitely're like, ‘All proper bro, watch what I do now.' Or he'll let you know, ‘Hey, now it is your flip.'
“I actually haven't got a fear. Whoever's quantity is named will likely be prepared. I am not a egocentric participant. So no matter it appears like, it appears like. So long as we come out with the victory, I am completely happy. I am chasing rings. I am not likely chasing stats.”
After signing Jones to a deal that can pay him $10 million this season, and lengthening Mason's contract at a price of $5.5 million for 2025, the Vikings have one of many NFL's most costly backfields. Solely 4 groups — the 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles — have more money dedicated to their backfields this season than the Vikings.
For those who consider in following the cash, one conclusion is obvious: Each Jones and Mason are going to play. Lots.
