Detroit Lions sign free agent running back Matt Asiata

The Detroit Lions added some depth to their backfield on Saturday by signing former Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata.

The Detroit Lions have signed free agent running back Matt Asiata to a one-year contract, adding to their depth chart at running back after forgoing selecting one in April’s draft. Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported the signing on Friday.

Asiata is a power back with decent size but he is woefully slow. He moves the ball by lowering his shoulder and trying to move the pile rather than trying to run around it. By signing Asiata, the Lions’ likely hope to address the lack of power in the run game last year, which was one of the reasons the team finished 30th in the league in rushing yards per game.

Asiata, 29, has spent his last five seasons in Minnesota, where he played in 74 games, starting 16 of them. He carried the ball 361 times for the Vikings and averaged 3.5 yards per carry while fumbling only three times and scoring 18 touchdowns. He also caught 101 passes for 722 yards and a touchdown. Against Detroit, he averaged 4.84 yards per carry and scored twice on 43 carries in ten games.

Asiata will not likely compete for the starting job in Detroit, but will rather look for carries near the goal line and in short-yardage situations. He will most likely compete directly with Zach Zenner, who came on strong near the end of last season in increased playing time when the Lions had injury problems at running back.

The Lions may also be considering the health of their current top two running backs with the signing as well, as both Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick return from injury, Abdullah from a season-ending foot injury and Riddick from surgery on both of his wrists.

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The Lions are currently in organized team activities and will begin their preseason on August 13 at 1:30 at the Indianapolis Colts.