On November 20th, the Minnesota Vikings claimed running back Ben Tate from waivers after being released by the Cleveland Browns. However, his time with the team wasn’t long, and he found himself released by the Vikings today.
Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Ben Tate (33) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Tate only appeared in three games for Minnesota, carrying the ball 13 times for 38 yards. The Vikings decided to move on from Tate in order to focus on Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard as well as provide a clearer path for rookie Jerick McKinnon to transition into his sophomore year following being placed on Injured Reserve this year.
Tate’s acquisition was a very low risk trial period for Minnesota. Eventually, the Vikings had to look at the long term investment that Tate would be and decided to cut the fifth year running back when he was due a $2 million salary in 2015. This also gives Tate a chance to sign with one of the other teams that put in waiver claims on the young runner, such as Arizona and Indianapolis.
We at The Viking Age would like to wish Ben Tate the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.
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