The Minnesota Vikings have made some notable moves thus far in the offseason. One of them was parting ways with running back Jerick McKinnon.

Needless to say, it did not take long for him to get scooped up by the San Francisco 49ers. However, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, the New York Jets nearly locked him up before the Niners came into the mix:

Source says McKinnon was close to joining Bridgewater with the Jets, but the 49ers came back with a big offer. Jets instead signed Isaiah Crowell for $4m fully guaranteed

The Jets have done some retooling of their own this offseason after striking out in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes. As a corresponding move, they solidified their quarterback position by signing Teddy Bridgewater and Josh McCown. They were seemingly on the verge of acquiring McKinnon in the backfield as well before the Niners came in with a lucrative offer. Instead, the Jets have settled for former Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell.

Meanwhile, San Francisco has reportedly parted ways with workhorse back Carlos Hyde, who is expected to sign with the Cleveland Browns this offseason. Hyde was poised for a prodigious contract after coming off his best year yet. However, it is one the Niners were unwilling to pay as they were quick to find his replacement in McKinnon.

The former Viking has largely served as a complementary back over the past several seasons. As a result, he expressed his desire to take on a lead role for a new team going into free agency. He now has the perfect opportunity in a newly-revamped Niners offense.