Detroit Lions: Matt Asiata brings versatility to backfield
The Detroit Lions have signed Matt Asiata to a one-year contract. What sort of role will the veteran runner play in an increasingly crowded Lions backfield?
Apparently, the Detroit Lions liked what they saw from Matt Asiata a lot more than they let on. Approximately two weeks after the former Minnesota Vikings running back worked out for the team, the two sides have agreed to a one-year contract (per The Detroit Free Press).
The move comes on the heels of the first wave of Lions organized team activities, and effectively ends the team’s search for a veteran runner.
As it stands, third-year tailback Ameer Abdullah is set to lead the rushing attack next season. After an impressive showing at OTAs, there is a great deal of excitement about what the former Nebraska star is capable of, should he remain healthy. Behind Abdullah is reliable pass-catcher extraordinaire Theo Riddick, who will re-assume his role as one of the very best third down backs in the NFL. After those two men, there figures to be significant jockeying for position on the team’s depth chart.
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While the 29-year old Asiata is unlikely to enjoy an enormous role in 2017, he certainly has a solid chance of making the final 53-man roster. Asiata will compete with Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington, Mike James, and undrafted rookie Tion Green for playing time during training camp and the preseason.
Zenner appears to be the only lock to make the team of the names listed above, which leaves the door open for Asiata to impress with his versatile skill set. At 5–11 and 229 pounds, he is a sizable back and a capable short-yardage and goal line contributor. The Utah graduate also boasts surprising ability as a pass-catcher, and is a productive special teams player, as well.
Asiata’s best season came in 2014 when he rushed for 570 yards and nine touchdowns, while tallying 44 receptions for 312 yards and a receiving score. That productive campaign makes him the only running back currently on the Lions roster to have scored ten total touchdowns in a season.
While his career yards per carry average of 3.5 makes him an unlikely candidate to shoulder the load for any length of time, it’s clear that his standing as a “do-it-all” player is appealing to head coach Jim Caldwell, who said the following of Asiata after his tryout (per Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press):
"“I think anybody knows who’s seen him work, he’s a good special teamer, he’s tough, he’s a very good pass protector…”"
Indeed, Asiata’s toughness is notable, and the sixth-year pro has always been a reliable player who can step in and produce at a moment’s notice should the starter suffer an injury. That will likely continue to be his role in Detroit as he enters a backfield that sustained numerous ailments last season.
Abdullah missed most of the 2016 season with a foot injury and Riddick is currently still recovering from wrist surgery. Adding reliable depth between these two players was a must this offseason, and with this signing, the Lions have successfully completed this task.
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With Asiata in the mix, the Lions no longer need to fret about depth at the running back position. With a solid rotation established, it remains to be seen if the team can improve a rushing attack that finished 30th in the NFL last season, but if Abdullah and Riddick remain healthy, Zenner continues to improve, and Asiata provides a spark, the outlook for this backfield is promising indeed.