The Minnesota Vikings made a major change at the running back position earlier this offseason when they opted to release Dalvin Cook. Cook had been with the team for six seasons after getting drafted in the second round out of Florida State in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Minnesota’s reasoning for releasing Cook was monetary, as he remained one of the most productive backs in the NFL last season. Coming off of his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, his market should be stronger than it is. Alas, that is the current state of the running back position as teams don’t value it as they once did.
There are plenty of useful running backs that remain available with training camp right around the corner. One of them is Kareem Hunt, who spent the last four seasons with the Cleveland Browns but has yet to find a home this offseason. Could the Vikings be where he ends up?
That is what former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman believes could occur. While writing for The 33rd Team, Spielman mentioned Minnesota as one of the teams who should be looking into signing Hunt ahead of training camp.
“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.”
Alexander Mattison has proven capable of carrying the load whenever he had to step into the lineup for Cook in his first four seasons in the NFL. Now tasked with being the lead back full-time, the Vikings could certainly use some experienced depth behind him.
There are currently three running backs behind Mattison on the depth chart in Minnesota. Two of them, Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride, are rookies. The other, Kene Nwangwu, has only 22 carries in two seasons as he is the team’s primary kick return man.
Hunt would bring some much-needed experience to the Vikings backfield, offering some useful insurance in case Mattison has to miss time for whatever reason. However, based on how things have gone thus far this offseason in Minnesota, it would not be surprising if they stood pat and gave a real look at what the younger backs on the roster were capable of.
