Following a workout earlier today, the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with running back Abram Smith, according to a tweet from the XFL.
Buy Vikings TicketsAbram Smith of the @XFLDefenders signs NFL contract with the @Vikings.#XFLtoNFL #XFL pic.twitter.com/eDW7IEk9mC
— XFL (@XFL2023) August 3, 2023
Smith signs after a successful season with the XFL’s DC Defenders, where he league in rushing with 791 yards and 7 touchdowns. He was also the first overall pick in the skill positions portion of the XFL Draft before the season.
Before his stint in the XFL, Smith spent a brief time as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2021. Smith was cut after a few months on the roster.
Before making the NFL, Smith, 24, was a standout at Baylor University. In 2021, he led the team in rushing with 1,601 yards and 12 touchdowns and proved to be an integral part of a Baylor team that was crowned Big 12 Champions.
Smith’s signing comes days after running back Alexander Mattison left training camp with a leg injury. While the injury does not appear serious, the Vikings may keep him out of practice for an extended period. As a result, there’s a possibility that Smith is nothing more than a depth body.
However, Smith’s signing could also indicate uneasiness from the current running back room. Outside of Mattison, the room lacks much experience, and while Smith doesn’t offer much experience, he is fresh off of a 150-carry campaign in a professional league.
