After losing Adrian Peterson to injured reserve with a torn meniscus, the Vikings named Jerick McKinnon their starting running back and signed former Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman to a one-year deal.
Hillman signed a veteran minimum contract with Minnesota, but the deal could end up saving Denver some money.
When the Broncos released Hillman earlier this month, they still owed him $400,000 in guaranteed money. But as KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis pointed out, the team may not have to pay any of it:
That $400,000, though, had offset language so that his next team would pick up that tab. Hillman’s new contract comes out to $44,706 a week, so if he’s on the Vikings’ active roster for nine weeks, the Broncos will be spared of the full $400,000.
Hillman led the Broncos with 863 rushing yards and seven touchdowns during the 2015 regular season, but he was ineffective in a 24-10 win over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
The Chargers, who lost Danny Woodhead to a season-ending injury, worked out Hillman before he signed with the Vikings. San Diego ended up signing Dexter McCluster, a player they “coveted” as a fill-in for Woodhead.
For you fantasy football owners, Hillman is not worth owning outside of deep leagues. ESPN fantasy analyst Mike Clay emphasized that on Twitter Wednesday.
Hillman is currently listed behind McKinnon and Matt Asiata on Minnesota’s depth chart, and he’s not expected to see more than perhaps a few snaps this weekend against the Panthers.
Until we see how the Vikings use their three running backs going forward, Hillman is not worth a roster spot on your fantasy team.
