4 unexpected free-agent signings the Vikings could still make in 2023

Free Agent No. 1

Ezekiel Elliott - RB

This is pure speculation on my part, but I believe the Vikings' primary backup running back is not currently on the roster.

Minnesota's coaching staff loves Ty Chandler, and rookie seventh-round draft pick DeWayne McBride offers a lot to be excited about. However, can you trust two backs who have never played meaningful minutes in an NFL game to help Alexander Mattison fill the void left by Dalvin Cook?

Adding a veteran running back like Ezekiel Elliott could be huge for Minnesota's offense. A majority of the Vikings fan base seemed ready to hit the panic button when Mattison limped off the practice field during one of the team's training camp practices last week.

Elliott is not even close to what he once was for the Cowboys, but for a team like Minnesota, they don't need him to be.

Chandler has reportedly struggled in pass protection at times during camp this summer, and McBride has had his fair share of difficulties catching the ball, both of which Elliott can do efficiently.

Elliott should be relatively cheap for any team that signs him this year. After a tumultuous 2022 season where he was dethroned in Dallas by Tony Pollard as the starting running back, there was a ton of speculation as to the type of market he would have in free agency.

As of August 9th, he is still a free agent, and it wouldn't hurt a team to add Elliott to their stable of running backs, especially a team looking to make a run in 2023.