If Rick Spielman were still the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, there’s a strong chance he’d be looking for a proven runner back to be Alexander Mattison’s backup in 2023-24.
Mattison is the de facto No. 1 back since the Vikings released Dalvin Cook. If the season started today, 2022 fifth-round pick Ty Chandler, return specialist Kene Nwangwu and 2023 seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride would be battling for the backup job.
According to Spielman, the Vikings could use an established runner to pair with Mattison, and he believes the Vikings (or the Cowboys, Dolphins or Patriots) should consider signing Kareem Hunt. Here’s what Spielman wrote for The 33rd Team.
“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.”
Hunt, who turns 28 in August, is entering his seventh season in the NFL. He was Nick Chubb’s backup in Cleveland the past four seasons and averaged just 38 rushing yards per game while battling injuries.
But in 17 games last season, Hunt averaged a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry while Chubb averaged 5.0 yards per carry behind the same offensive line.
Where Hunt has continued to excel is in the passing game. Hunt had 35 receptions for 210 yards and a touchdown last season. The 2021 season can be wiped off the slate due to injuries, whereas he had 38 catches for 304 yard and five receiving touchdowns in 2020.
Hunt isn’t the only big name running back yet to sign. Cook remains a free agent, as does Ezekiel Elliott after his release from the Cowboys earlier this year.
