Zach

Line

“As I look back on the last seven seasons in the NFL I cannot help but to feel extremely proud,” Line released in a statement on Instagram. His full speech can be read in the link below. Line walks away at the young age of 29, having played a combined seven seasons with the Vikings and Saints after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He hangs up his cleats with six total touchdowns over 75 appearances.

Line (6-foot 1/2, 232) earned 2012 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year honors as a senior and was a versatile workhorse in June Jones’ spread offense throughout his career, rushing 778 times for 4,185 yards (5.38 YPC) and 47 touchdowns. He caught 75 passes. Line runs 4.77 with a 9-foot-3 broad jump, so he lacks explosive measurables. A hybrid fullback/tailback, Line may follow a similar career path to Brian Leonard.

Line’s exact “injury” is unclear, though conveniently timed as it clears a roster spot for FB Jerome Felton, who comes off suspension Monday. An undrafted free agent, Line ends his rookie year having played 68 snaps.

Line was placed on I.R. with a September knee injury, but took the opportunity to have his shoulder repaired. A favorite of measurables-based football metrics sites, Line stands 6-foot, 232 and ran 4.65 at his Pro Day. He’s been compared to Mike Alstott. Line is a player to monitor during his first full NFL offseason as a potential in-house replacement for free agent Toby Gerhart at No. 2 tailback.

It sounds like a minor scope. Line is still on crutches but should be ready for a mostly-normal offseason. Line was in on 211 snaps as a lead blocker last season. He has five touchdowns over the past three years.

Line is recovering from a hip scope but is expected to be ready for OTAs. He spent the first four seasons of his career as Adrian Peterson’s lead blocker.

Line spent the last two years as Adrian Peterson’s lead blocker in Minnesota. He had offseason hip surgery, but is fully recovered. With John Kuhn the favorite for fullback duties, Line is likely just training camp depth.

He was only on the team for 10 days. John Kuhn will continue to function as the Saints’ fullback.

He’s undoubtedly been tendered at the “low” level, $1.6 million. A 2013 undrafted free agent, Line emerged as the Vikings’ lead blocker last season, playing 223 snaps.

Line was among the Saints’ final cuts during training camp. He’ll fill in for John Kuhn (biceps), who was placed on injured reserve last week.