The Minnesota Vikings are locked in on potentially signing quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason. As a result, several of their other key members on offense has seemingly been left in the rear-view. Among them is running back Jerick McKinnon.

According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, McKinnon is expected to part ways with Minnesota in free agency:

It feels evident that McKinnon will move on in free agency, and the Vikings shouldn't have a problem finding his replacement in a loaded draft class of running backs.

The decision should hardly come as a surprise. McKinnon has largely served as a complimentary back since being taken with the 96th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The 2017 season was no different with the addition of running back Dalvin Cook.

The rookie established himself as the primary workhorse early on and enjoyed tremendous success before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. As a result, McKinnon was poised for an increased role alongside running back Latavius Murray.

However, his performance fluctuated throughout the year before he ceded the majority of carries to Murray down the final stretch. McKinnon has since expressed his desire to take on a workhorse role with whatever team signs him this offseason. His versatile skill set as both a runner and a receiver bode well for his prospects as a free agent.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have strong contingency plans in both Cook and Murray. However, it would not be a surprise to see if they attempt to add some more depth in the backfield in the later rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.