In a surprising move with just one preseason game left, the Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their running back depth by signing Xazavian Valladay, a player with an eye-popping college resume of 4,473 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. The acquisition, dubbed a “midnight trade shock” by fans, comes as the Vikings continue to address their ongoing struggles at the running back position under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The Vikings’ running back room has been a weak spot in recent years, prompting the team to trade for Cam Akers in each of the past two seasons. Now, with Valladay’s addition, Minnesota hopes to inject new energy into the position group as they finalize their roster.
Who is Xazavian Valladay?
Valladay, an undrafted free agent from the 2023 NFL Draft, brings an impressive collegiate pedigree to the Vikings. Over five years at Wyoming and Arizona State, he amassed 4,473 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground, while also showcasing his versatility with 88 receptions for 873 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His journey through the NFL has seen him spend time with the Houston Texans, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints before landing in Minnesota.
According to his NFL.com scouting report, Valladay is an intriguing yet undersized back who plays bigger than his frame suggests. His decisive mindset and ability to accelerate into contact allow him to maximize what’s blocked for him, keeping plays on track. However, his lack of elite change-of-direction skills or creative instincts limits his ability to generate yards when the play breaks down. Described as competitive and productive, Valladay is seen as a reliable depth piece but not a standout star.
The #Vikings are signing RB Xazavian Valladay, per his agent @thelawmvp. Former undrafted free agent of the #Texans was with the #Saints from last November to though this spring. Now headed to Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/o9LH3Kfj8L
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 18, 2025
A Strategic Move for Preseason Finale
The timing of Valladay’s signing mirrors a tactic the Vikings employed last offseason when they brought in running back Mohamed Ibrahim before the final preseason game. The goal? To provide snaps for players who can handle the workload in a game where most roster locks sit out. Valladay is expected to see significant playing time in the Vikings’ preseason finale, giving him a platform to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the practice squad.
This move is less about immediate impact and more about depth and opportunity. With a crowded running back room and established players ahead of him, Valladay’s path to the 53-man roster is steep but not impossible. His college production and versatility as a runner and receiver make him a compelling candidate for a practice squad role, where he could develop further under O’Connell’s staff.
Can Valladay Make the Cut?
While Valladay’s signing doesn’t signal a blockbuster shift in Minnesota’s backfield, it underscores the team’s ongoing efforts to stabilize a position group that has been a work in progress. His college stats are undeniable, and his ability to contribute in both the run and pass game could make him a valuable asset in specific situations. However, his scouting report suggests he’s unlikely to rise above a complementary role unless he can showcase untapped potential in the preseason finale.
For now, Valladay represents a low-risk, high-upside addition for the Vikings. If he can replicate even a fraction of his college production and prove his worth in live action, he might carve out a longer-term role in Minnesota. Fans will be watching closely as the “monster” running back takes the field, hoping this midnight trade shock sparks a new chapter for the Vikings’ ground game.