The Minnesota Vikings are entering the final weekend before the NFL trade deadline feeling a little thin at the running back position.
The Vikings traded for Cam Akers last month, and third-year Ty Chandler continues to see limited reps as the RB2, but an injury to starter Aaron Jones could be fatal for an offense that ranks last in the NFL in pass attempts per game. (27.1).
NFL writers Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently explored a potential trade between Minnesota and the Denver Broncos that could make sense for both parties.
Their proposal? Bringing Javonte Williams back to the Vikings in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. Here’s what they thought:
The Broncos are fighting for a spot in the play-offs and deserve all the praise. That said, Denver isn’t a contender and the running back room has been weak all year. Meanwhile, the Vikings are in the mix for the NFC North and will rely heavily on Aaron Jones to carry the ball. Jones, 30, has been great, but Ty Chandler is a mediocre backup.
Williams would be a nice addition to Jones in Minnesota, as the former No. 35 overall pick out of North Carolina has put together a solid career in Denver as both a rusher and receiver. However, his efficiency in the Broncos’ workhorse role has taken a hit since returning from a torn ACL in 2023. Williams has handled 90 rush attempts this season but is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. A move to Minnesota would alleviate some of that burden, with the added benefit of running behind a better offensive line.
Adding legitimate help at running back should also help Jones, who always had a sidekick during his time in Green Bay. Jones has already racked up more than 100 carries this season. He has been dealing with hip and hamstring issues and has shouldered the burden for Minnesota’s run game. Chandler hasn’t made more than 11 offensive plays in any game. Jones has been healthy all season.
The Broncos have shown signs that they are ready to move on from Williams. Tyler Badie was a challenge for playing time before landing on injured reserve with a back injury. The team also spent a fifth-round pick on rookie Audric Estime, who is averaging 6.0 yards per carry on limited opportunities this season.
The Vikings don’t have a seventh-round pick in 2025, but they have an abundance of them in 2026. If they really could land the 24-year-old Williams, who had first-round talent coming out of UNC, on an expiring rookie contract for a seventh-round pick in two years, the guess is that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would be interested.
More NFL trade deadline news:
The Vikings-Patriots trade proposal would send two-time Super Bowl champions to Minnesota to boost the playoffs
Vikings trade prediction lands D-lineman with championship pedigree in Minnesota
Proposed Vikings blockbuster sends star Panthers corner to Minnesota at deadline
