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The Minnesota Vikings enter the final weekend before the NFL trade deadline a bit thin at the running back position.

The Vikings traded for Cam Akers last month, and third-year back Ty Chandler continues to see limited reps as the RB2, but an injury to starter Aaron Jones could prove fatal for an offense that ranks dead 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 some sense for both sides.

Their proposal? Running back Javonte Williams to the Vikings in exchange for a 2026 seventh round pick. Here was their take:

The Broncos are fighting for a playoff spot and ought to be commended. 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 have been relying heavily on Aaron Jones to carry the ball. Jones, 30, has been terrific, but Ty Chandler is a middling backup.

Williams would be a nice complement to Jones in Minnesota, as the former No. 35 overall pick out of North Carolina has put together a solid career in Denver both as a rusher and receiver. His efficiency in the Broncos’ workhorse role, however, has taken a hit since he returned 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 ease some of that burden, with the added benefit of running behind a better offensive line.

Adding legitimate running back help should also help Jones, who always had a sidekick during his time in Green Bay. Jones has already topped 100 carries for the season. He’s dealt with hip and hamstring issues and has been shouldering the load for Minnesota’s run game. Chander hasn’t played more than 11 offensive snaps in any game Jones has been healthy in all season.

The Broncos have shown signs that they’re ready to move on from Williams. Tyler Badie was challenging 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’s 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 could really 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 general manager ​Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would be interested.