5 free-agent running backs the Vikings could sign in 2023
![Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) carries the ball during the fourth quarter of a Week 7 NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cleveland Browns won 37-34.Cincinnati Bengals At Cleveland Browns Oct 25 Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) carries the ball during the fourth quarter of a Week 7 NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cleveland Browns won 37-34.Cincinnati Bengals At Cleveland Browns Oct 25](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2023-2F03-2F15128901-850x560-4330bc04e489f0a1c61fbc156ec7b1bf7be66cd98528acc31802e6f11101a4c1.jpg)
Jamaal Williams
2022 Team: Detroit Lions
Continuing his tour of the NFC North is Jamaal Williams started his career with the Packers before having a breakout season with the Lions last year. Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and a league-high 17 touchdowns last year. He finished the season two carries short of Dalvin Cook, with 262, and will be looking to remain an RB1 with a likely pay raise to match.
Williams would be a solid replacement for Cook should the Minnesota Vikings choose to go that route. A bruiser between the tackles and a short-yardage connoisseur, Williams runs with a lot of power behind his 6’0, 201 lbs frame. Williams’ calculated market value for next year will look to be around $4.1 million, an increase from his 2022 earnings of $3 million.
Signing a back like Williams will give second-year players such as Ty Chandler, who impressed in the pre-season, a chance to get some serious RB2 touches while saving the Vikings around $10 million at the running back position. If the Vikings choose to move on from Dalvin Cook, Jamaal Williams would be a great option for the team heading into next season.