We don’t know if Adrian Peterson will stay with the Vikings this year, but we do know that the running back who became the Vikings’ leading rusher in Peterson’s absence last year is staying in Minnesota.
Matt Asiata, who emerged last year as the Vikings’ starting running back, has signed a one-year deal, according to the Star-Tribune. Asiata was a restricted free agent, so it was unlikely that he was ever going to go anywhere else, but the Vikings have reportedly agreed to give Asiata an incentive-laden deal that allows him to make more money than just the standard restricted free agent tender offer.
Last season Asiata led the Vikings with 164 carries, 570 yards and nine touchdowns. He also was second on the team with 44 catches.
If Peterson returns to the Vikings, Asiata will be a backup and role player, but if Peterson ends up elsewhere, Asiata and Jerick McKinnon will likely split carries, as they did last year.
