6 free-agent running backs the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Spencer Ware
It’s easy to forget that Spencer Ware was close to being a 1,000-yard rusher before a serious injury threatened his NFL career.
With the Kansas City Chiefs, Ware had a breakout campaign in 2016 on his way to 1,368 total yards and five touchdowns. His following season was abruptly halted by a posterior cruciate ligament injury that ended his 2017 campaign before it was able to even begin.
Ware has been slowly but surely getting back into the mix. But once a player loses their spot on an NFL roster, it is very hard for them to get it back. Especially when there are lingering doubts about his long-term health and the explosive element of his game potentially being diminished.
Ware is a good back though and he is not expecting to play a leading role in any offense going forward. That makes him a reasonable target for the Vikings if Ameer Abdullah moves on this offseason.
Ware is still only 28-years-old with minimal wear and tear on his body besides the well-documented knee issues, so signing him would likely come at a minimum cost for Minnesota
Ware is adept at running between the tackles and he also comes with some impressive pass-catching skills out of the backfield. If he pens a deal with the Vikings, it would probably have to come with the premise that he has to earn a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp.