Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah is packing his bags once again, this time heading to Jacksonville for the 2026 season. The former Minnesota Vikings standout has signed with the Jaguars, adding another chapter to his well-traveled NFL career.
Abdullah, now 32, brings a blend of speed and savvy to a Jaguars backfield that could use some veteran stability. He'll be competing for a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp and preseason—a challenge he's familiar with after stops with seven different teams over 11 seasons.
The Jaguars made the move official on Monday, and it's easy to see why. Last season with the Colts, Abdullah showed he still has gas in the tank, rushing for 60 yards and a touchdown while adding 16 catches for 99 yards. His real value, though, came on special teams, where his reliability has kept him in the league year after year.
In 2024 with the Raiders, Abdullah had his most productive season in recent memory, tallying 311 rushing yards with two touchdowns and 40 catches for 261 yards and three scores. That kind of versatility is exactly what Jacksonville needs as they build depth behind their young running back corps.
Vikings fans will remember Abdullah fondly from his four seasons in Minnesota (2020-2023). In 45 games, he carved out a role as a dependable rotational back and special teams ace. He logged 38 carries for 187 yards and hauled in 27 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Former head coach Mike Zimmer trusted him on kick returns and in key special teams situations, where his speed and sure hands made him a roster lock year after year.
Looking at his career numbers, Abdullah's consistency is impressive: 2,054 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 1,567 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns across 154 games. He even returned a punt for a touchdown with the Panthers in 2021—a reminder of the explosive playmaking that made him a second-round pick by the Lions back in 2015.
The Jaguars' running back room isn't exactly star-studded, but it has potential, especially if rookie Tuten develops into the playmaker they're hoping for. Adding a veteran like Abdullah gives them insurance and a proven contributor who can step in on offense or special teams without missing a beat.
For Abdullah, it's another chance to prove he belongs. And for the Jaguars, it's a low-risk move that could pay off big if the veteran's legs have one more good run left in them.