New Runner Arrives in Twin Cities as Vikings Shore Up RB Depth

Opting for a runner made some sense given the recent news about shuffling a young running back to an injury list. That predictable outcome has arrived, as the team’s official social media clarifies.

The Vikings shored up the RB depth by signing Jordan Mims. By no means a lock for the final roster, Mr. Mims nevertheless finds himself with a chance to latch onto a Vikings team that’s desperate for a respectable rushing attack. Whoever wins the QB1 job will be greatly aided by a potent ground attack. Mims will be trying to show that he’s got enough upside to warrant a spot once September football arrives.

Vikings Shore Up RB Depth

In 2023, the Buffalo Bills brought Jordan Mims into the NFL as an undrafted talent. He did so with the promise of $12,000 in guaranteed cash.

— READ MORE: Vikings Step into Batter’s Box and Take a Good Swing —
— READ MORE: Vikings Begin Pruning Roster with 3 Moves —
— READ MORE: A 53-Man Roster Projection as Training Camp Begins —

Mims didn’t settle into Buffalo for very long. His next opportunities arrived in New Orleans, Tennessee, and San Francisco. In fact, he played against Minnesota last preaseason while working as a Titans employee, turning his 13 carries into 40 yards. The Vikings, in other words, have seen Mr. Mims before, possibly influencing the decision to sign him.

In the regular season, Mims has played in 108 snaps on offense and 71 snaps on specials. Very likely, folks, that the best thing he can do for his NFL career is prove to be an absolute monster on specials. Matt Daniels, perhaps, will task him with some responsibility for Minnesota’s special teams.

His career statistics show 20 carries for 70 scoreless yards. Pretty humdrum. More promising, perhaps, is that he has caught 12 passes for 71 yards. Versatility is coveted in the Twin Cities. And, at the very least, there’s some live regular season football within his past to build off of as he looks to secure a lasting home as a pro runner.

Prior to getting into the NFL, Jordan Mims played for Fresno State. His final collegiate season features some eye-popping statistics: 261 carries, 1,372 yards, and 18 touchdowns. Even better, Mims secured 21 catches for 126 yards and 1 touchdown.

So, there was some reason to give the talented runner from an unheralded college a shot.

He has since bounced around, which is bad news since he hasn’t found a permanent NFL home. Putting a more positive spin on on things would mean acknowledging that he keeps getting a chance, suggesting that the NFL still sees upside in him.

The Minnesota Vikings welcome the full team to TCO Performance Center today. Doing so follows welcoming the rookies on Sunday to get training camp rolling. Soon enough, head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Nolan Teasley will step in front of the microphone for a press conference.

Jordan Mims, 27, is the latest add (alongside veteran safety Jamal Adams). He stands at 6’0″ and weighs 205 pounds.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.