Ex-GM Suggests Vikings Sign This Free Agent Running Back

Former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, now a member of the football media, has floated the idea of his old team signing one of the top running backs still available on the free agent market. Writing for The 33rd Team, Spielman mentioned the Vikings as one of several teams in need of a backup running back who could sign 2017 Pro Bowler Kareem Hunt.

There are a handful of teams that still need backup running backs. One is the Dallas Cowboys, although I anticipate Ezekiel Elliott will re-sign there. The second is the Dolphins, but everyone is linking (Dalvin) Cook there. Three is the Minnesota Vikings now that they’ve released Cook. They don’t have a proven commodity behind Alexander Mattison. The last team could be the New England Patriots, who are famous for signing veteran running backs. Hunt is an excellent No. 2 back if he can stay healthy.

It's true that after releasing Cook, the Vikings don't have a "proven commodity" behind Mattison. But for various reasons, Minnesota signing Hunt feels quite unlikely. For one, why release Cook for financial reasons just to sign a different soon-to-be 28-year-old RB who will likely command at least $5 million? Hunt's injury history complicates his outlook a bit, too.

If the Vikings were going all in on the 2023 season, it could make sense. Hunt is a very talented player; he finished second in OROY voting after a huge 2017 season for the Chiefs and has shined alongside Nick Chubb in Cleveland over the past four years. He's elusive, he's explosive, and he can catch the football. Pairing Hunt and Mattison in the backfield would objectively make the Vikings' offense better.

But the Vikings aren't going all in on 2023. If they were, they wouldn't have moved on from Cook and so many other talented veterans this offseason. This year is about creating a healthier salary cap picture, contending for the NFC North title again, and building towards 2024. Given what it would presumably cost to sign Hunt, I don't think it's something they're considering.

The Vikings' non-Mattison running backs may not have much experience, but they do have upside. 2022 fifth-rounder Ty Chandler is in line to be the No. 2 after impressing in last year's preseason. Kene Nwangwu is an All-Pro kick returner looking to earn a role in the offense. Seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride has a chance to be a major steal. Instead of signing Hunt, the Vikings will want to see what they have in their young RB room this season.

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