Just 23 years old and a sixth-round pick last year, Neal totaled 310 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.
Minnesota Needed The Help
Jordan Mason has been sidelined on injured reserve since undergoing surgery for a fractured thumb, leaving Aaron Jones as Minnesota's primary option in the backfield.
Neal now joins DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne as depth pieces behind Jones, giving the Vikings another body to work with while Mason recovers.
New Orleans drafted Neal in the sixth round out of Kansas in 2025, and he produced 206 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries as a rookie, adding 17 catches for 104 yards through the air across 10 games, three of them starts.
Sources: The #Vikings are signing former #Saints RB Devin Neal to a contract.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 29, 2026
Just 23 years old and a 5th-round pick last year, Neal totaled 310 yards and 2 TDs as a rookie. He joins a Minnesota team that has been seeking RB depth. pic.twitter.com/Ouup84YB0i
His rookie deal runs four years and roughly $4.45 million, and the Saints released him from injured reserve with an injury settlement on September 3, clearing him to sign elsewhere once eligible.
Neal was a multi-year starter at Kansas before entering the league, and at 5-foot-11 and 213 pounds, he offers a build that can handle contact in a way that complements Jones' skill set.
For now, Jones remains the clear lead back as long as he stays healthy, but Neal gives Minnesota a fresh option to compete for touches while Mason continues to work his way back.
