Lions add Matt Asiata to improve awful ground game

The Detroit Lions finally added a veteran running back this offseason in hopes of improving one of the NFL’s worst ground attacks.

A year ago, only two teams in the league totaled fewer yards on the ground than the playoff-bound Lions. And while that’s far from a positive fact, it was actually an improvement from the previous season. In 2015, Jim Caldwell’s club ranked dead last in the league in rushing. One year earlier, the club was a disappointing 28th in the NFL in this department.

For whatever reason, be it injuries or ineffectiveness, the Lions can’t seem to solve this issue. This offseason, general manager Bob Quinn didn’t draft a running back or dip into unrestricted free agency to add to the backfield.

Until now. Via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, the team has a one-year agreement in place with former Vikings running back Matt Asiata. It became quite clear he wouldn’t back in the Twin Cities when the Purple Gang added former Oakland Raiders’ running back Latavius Murray in free agency. It became even clearer when the club used a second-round selection in April on Florida State’s Dalvin Cook.

In any case, the Lions have added a performer who can help them in a variety of ways. “I think anybody knows who has seen him work, he’s a good special teamer,” said Caldwell earlier this month, per Rogers. “He’s tough. He’s a very good pass protector and he carries the ball. He runs behind his pads. He’s always been a very, very effective player in this league.”

More fansided.com: Each NFL team’s biggest question mark

A year ago, the Vikings finished with the fewest rushing yards in the NFL. Asiata played in 16 games and made six starts. He finished with 402 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. The five-year pro also caught 32 passes for 263 yards. Those are hardly awe-inspiring totals. But it’s also worth noting he would have led the Lions in rushing yards in 2016.