4 RBs for Vikings to Consider at RB3
The Minnesota Vikings running back room is in a substantially better place than it was a season ago, thanks to the addition of Aaron Jones. The former Green Bay Packers rusher seems to be out for vengeance, but he has also had trouble staying on the field. Ty Chandler is locked in behind him, but then things get dicey.
4 RBs for Vikings to Consider at RB3
Last year, the Minnesota Vikings were forced to cycle through a handful of running backs after it was evident that Alexander Mattison was stretched almost immediately. Cam Akers was acquired, and he looked to be a solid answer until another Achilles injury took him out for the season. It wasn’t until Ty Chandler finally got his chance that he looked the part of a capable solution.
Having a two-man group this season is a solid start, but the drop to Kene Nwangwu, DeWayne McBride, and Myles Gaskin is substantial. The first is more a kick returner than anything else, and McBride could still need time on the practice squad. Gaskin was jettisoned multiple times last season and hasn’t done much with his professional opportunities.
The Vikings could look at these four free agents:
1. Damien Harris
A multi-year starter for the New England Patriots, Harris has a 15-touchdown season under his belt. He has a career 4.6 yards per carry tally and could be used sparingly as he was for the Buffalo Bills a season ago.
2. Marlon Mack
Once the starter for the Indianapolis Colts, Mack has bounced around to a few teams since. He’s a solid receiving option and averaged 4.5 yards per carry between two seasons when leading the backfield for Indy.
3. Kareem Hunt
A name clamored for at multiple points as a fit for Minnesota, Hunt spent the last five seasons with the Browns. He was basically a goal-line back the previous two years, and he’s nearing 30, but he’s a dual-threat playmaker and could be sprinkled in while remaining particularly reliable.
4. Matt Breida
Breida has been all over the place and has drawn starts for every organization he has played for outside of Buffalo. Not the pass catcher some of the other names on this list are, Breida could bring his bruising style and 4.6 yards per carry career average to round out Minnesota’s stable.
If the Vikings want to create some insurance for themselves without investing much, any of these names may be an option.
Former Viking Released by Packers
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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