The Vikings have agreed to a deal with restricted free agent running back Matt Asiata, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, who reports that Asiata will sign the incentive-laden contract tomorrow. Minnesota had the option of offering Asiata an RFA tender, but it looks the two parties worked out a separate deal.
Specifics of the deal aren’t yet known, but it’s worth less than $1MM, tweets Tomasson. Part of the reason for the heavy use of incentives, explains Tomasson, is that neither the Vikings nor Asiata are sure of how his large his role will be in 2015. Given the ongoing uncertainty regarding Adrian Peterson, Asiata could see himself as the starter, part of a tandem with Jerick McKinnon, or on the backburner altogether.
In his third season with Minnesota, the 27-year-old Asiata rushed for more than 500 yards and scored nine touchdowns, and was heavily involved in the passing game, securing 44 receptions.