The Minnesota Vikings are trying to revive their running game. Could signing a free agent running back help their cause?

The Minnesota Vikings backfield was a very fluid situation in 2018. With Dalvin Cook missing a large chunk of the season due to a hamstring injury, the load was placed upon Latavius Murray, Mike Boone, and Roc Thomas to keep the running game afloat.

For various reasons, the Vikings didn’t have the same success on the ground last year that they did in 2017. Minnesota’s rushing output dropped from seventh (1,957 yards) in 2017 to 30th (1, 493) last year and as a result, the team missed the playoffs for the third time in head coach Mike Zimmer’s tenure.

So far this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have made fixing the running game a priority. After promoting Kevin Stefanski to offensive coordinator, Minnesota brought in Gary Kubiak as an offensive consultant and Rich Dennison as the offensive line coach.

Although the Vikings have done plenty of work around the backfield, running back could stand to be a sneaky need for the team. Murray is an unrestricted free agent and Thomas could be on the way out after being charged with marijuana possession earlier this week.

Cook will still be the lead back for the Vikings, but Minnesota could still look at free agent backs to add some depth in 2019.