Another Rb ....maybe....

[Homeless]

Free agent running back John Avery, a former first-round draft pick who has spent the last two years in the CFL and XFL, on Thursday signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Avery was a first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 1998, but he lasted only two years in the NFL, totalling 524 yards rushing in 23 games with the Dolphins and Denver Broncos.

Also a kick-returner, Avery played for the Chicago Enforcers of the defunct XFL in 2001, leading the league with 800 yards rushing.

He played with Edmonton of the CFL last year, helping the team to the Grey Cup title game.

Last season with the Eskimos, Avery rushed for 1,448 yards and nine touchdowns, caught 45 passes for 387 yards and two scores and averaged 25.4 yards on 26 kick returns.

Anyone care to share their thoughts on this guy with the rest of us ? I really dont know anything more than is written here.

[terpfan]

never heard of him...

[Arlo]

This is interesting. My feeling is that Avery could be a solid back in the right situation - I'm just not sure Minnesota is it...

[JayM09]

they probably just brought him in to be used mainly as a return man.

[Guttpuppy]

More than likely Jay is right about this,but with Moe Williams potentially gone as a FA,Avery could end up backing up Bennett,god forbid(for Bennett owners) that he would take over Williams' goalline role.

[JayM09]

if i remember correctly, i believe that avery is a little speed back, not your typical goaline back.

[Guttpuppy]

You're right Jay,5'9",190 lbs.Williams is a little bigger at 6'1",210 lbs.Neither one is exactly what I would call a prototypical goalline back as say a Mike Alstott,6'1",248 lbs.!

[Slingblade]

yeah he did decent in the XFL...he should be a good kick returner

[fntsyrookie]

Well being as I'm from the "original" frozen tundra (that's Minny in the winter) I have to say that they brought this guy in for return duties only. Apparetnly the guy has blazing speed. Secondly if Moe does end up not re signing, I think Bennett will get more of the goal line carries. Towards the end of the year he got a couple more chances and did fine.

[slowkidz]

I like avery in the xfl....(yeah i watched...i had no life....still don't)

i think he'll fit in well on special teams...and he may have a good chance at a starting job in the right place....