5 candidates to be the Vikings new No. 3 running back in 2021
By Adam Carlson
Theo Riddick (Free Agent)
The top players in free agency are bound to find new homes at reasonable prices as the offseason goes on. However, waiting and landing a player like Theo Riddick could be just the option the Vikings need to maximize the value of their offensive backfield this year.
Riddick may be turning 30-years-old before the start of the 2021 season, but there is still enough gas in the tank for him to act as a solid rusher or pass-catcher out of the backfield to complement the game of Alexander Mattison if Dalvin Cook goes down with an injury.
After only playing in four games for the Las Vegas Raiders last year, the hope is that the running back can showcase some of the skills he boasted as a member of the Detroit Lions during his first six seasons in the NFL.
Having a receiving threat in the backfield would help to open things up down the field for the Vikings and Riddick’s history with picking up yards after the catch proves that opposing defenses would have to take him seriously or pay the price by giving up some easy first downs.