28 May, 2017
A month after passing on running backs in the draft, the Lions have chose to add one in free agency.
When the Minnesota Vikings signed Pro Bowl running back Latavius Murray back in March, it was readily apparent the team was seeking an upgrade from its dead last rushing attack in 2016.
Asiata will definitely get a chance to make the team. "He's tough. He's a very good pass protector and he carries the ball". He split time between running back and fullback, taking over as the Vikings' primary starter in 2014 after Adrian Peterson was placed on the commissioner's exempt list amid allegations of child abuse.
The Lions newest running back will likely to compete with Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington for the team's third-string role in training camp this summer.
"He's a good special teamer", Caldwell said.
An undrafted free agent out of Utah, Asiata has rushed for 1,259 yards in 74 career games (16 starts), and has 101 receptions plus another score. "He's always been a very, very effective player in this league".
The Detroit Lions finally added a running back with experience Friday night after months of not doing much at the position. The team remains without Theo Riddick as he continues to recover from offseason wrist surgery. Despite Zenner's improved play, the Lions lost all three games and exited the playoffs on a 26-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
As a running back, though, Asiata needed to show more consistency in that area of the game.
The Lions are hoping running back Ameer Abdullah can bounce back after he was limited to 18 carries last season because of a foot injury.
