Andrew Buller-Russ
Most of the Minnesota Vikings‘ offseason has either been about hunting for someone to compete with and/or push J.J. McCarthy, moving on from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, or cutting costs after being $40 million over the spending limit. It’s time for something new.
According to Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Vikings met with South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison at his recent pro day. But the Vikings’ interest went further than that. They took a hands-on approach by orchestrating RB position drills for the 26-year-old prospect.
Faison reportedly had a “terrific” workout, where he “caught the ball extremely well.” After the workout was done, the Vikings took the 5-foot-11, 208-pound back to lunch.
Faison clocked an unofficial 40 Yard Dash somewhere between 4.49 and 4.50 seconds, while clocking 4.1 seconds in the short shuttle. He also recorded a 37.5-inch vertical leap.
Pauline believes Faison could be drafted on Day 3, or “somewhere starting in Round 5.” The Vikings hold nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 23rd overall pick in the fifth round (No. 163).
While the Vikings did find a way to bring veteran Aaron Jones back on a reduced salary, the 31-year-old missed five games due to injury. Even when healthy, Jones wasn’t as productive in 2025 as he was in 2024 (although many members of the Vikings’ offense saw their production dip). Minnesota also has Jordan Mason carrying a heavy workload in the backfield.
One of the Vikings’ depth running backs from seasons past, Ty Chandler, signed a contract with the Saints this offseason. Drafting someone like Faison would give Zavier Scott, the Vikings’ current third-string running back, someone to compete with.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Share ‘Mutual Interest’ With Former No. 2 Pick
