In the post below this one, I opined that a bowling ball back like Mike Tolbert would be a solid addition to this roster, particularly given Adrian Peterson’s current rehab situation.
The Vikings didn’t sign Tolbert, but they did make a similar signing on Sunday by getting former Dolphin Lex Hilliard to agree to a one year deal.
Hilliard was a restricted free agent that Miami decided not to tender. Hilliard has played in every game for the Dolphins over the last three seasons, but seldom produced big numbers. At age 27, Hilliard only has 39 carries for 130 yards under his belt, which includes two touchdowns. In 2009, he showed some solid hands with 20 catches and 158 yards, but the Dolphins went away from using him as a pass catcher the last two seasons.
Listed at 5’ 11” and 240 pounds, Hilliard possesses the versatility that would allow him to play both half back and full back in Bill Musgrave’s offense.
He joins a backfield that already has Adrian Peterson, Toby Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Caleb King, Matt Asiata, and Ryan D’Imperio. He can also be a special teams contributor, but probably not as a return man.
The competition for who makes the roster behind Peterson and Gerhart this year should be a fun one to watch.