5 free agents Vikings can sign to replace Adrian Peterson
By John Buhler
2. Ronnie Hillman
If the Vikings are going to want a guy that can come in and make a difference in their running game Week 3 at the Carolina Panthers, give former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman a call.
Denver cut Hillman this past offseason after he played a big role on offense for the eventual Super Bowl 50 Champions. Hillman just turned 25 and only has 452 career carries as an NFL tailback. Though he’s never rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season, his yards per attempt have increased each season. He rushed for 4.2 yards per carry in 2015.
Hillman is a capable receiver out of the backfield with 67 career receptions for 431 yards and a touchdown. Given that he was never the featured back in any of his four years with the Broncos, Hillman probably doesn’t have the wear and tear of most four-year NFL veteran running backs.
Though he’s not the punishing runner that Peterson is, Hillman would be a welcome addition to the Vikings’ running back room to play alongside Asiata and McKinnon should Peterson miss significant time. Hillman has played in big games. Minnesota expects to play in big games this winter. This could be an ideal situation for Hillman to come aboard with in 2016.