Hold up, folks, because the latest SB Nation Reacts poll just hit, and it’s dropping some serious truth bombs about the Minnesota Vikings’ running back situation for the upcoming season. When it comes to who’s gonna lead that backfield in touches, a massive 63% of the folks who responded are squarely behind Jordan Mason.
Mason is the People’s Pick, No Doubt
That’s right, sixty-three percent! We’re talking a combination of carries and receptions, and Mason absolutely ran away with it. Aaron Jones, bless his heart, clocked in a distant second with just 22% of the votes. Then there’s rookie Demond Claiborne, pulling up the rear with 13%. And get this, a full 2% of respondents think some other back will step up. Maybe they’re hoping for a Max Bredeson breakout, stepping into those C.J. Ham shoes, you know? But let’s be real, Mason’s got the fan trust. The man has shown flashes, like that 16-yard touchdown run he punched in back in November 2025 against the Bears. He can find the end zone.
Coaches Are Banking on a Rookie Gamble
Now, here’s where it gets interesting, because while the fans are all in on Mason, there’s a whisper out there. Honestly, a lot of people, myself included, thought the Vikings needed to do more at running back this offseason. And what did they do? They snagged Claiborne in the 2026 NFL Draft. That was it. And here’s the kicker: the chatter says the Vikings would *really* like Claiborne to be the guy who racks up the most touches. Like, that’s their preferred outcome. But that’s a huge “if,” right? It all depends on how fast this rookie can soak up the offense and just force his way onto the field. He might even have to make his mark on special teams first, maybe even bump Myles Price, who had a solid 2025 season, out of a spot.
So, there it is. The fans have spoken, loud and clear, but the coaches seem to have a different vision. This isn’t just about who gets the ball; it’s about establishing the identity of that backfield for the year ahead. We’re only about a week away from training camp kicking off, and you can bet your bottom dollar all eyes will be on how this running back battle plays out. Who’s going to grab the reins? Mason, the proven fan favorite, or the rookie Claiborne, who the team is clearly banking on? This is gonna be fun to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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