Toby Gerhart Signs With Jacksonville Jaguars

While many are celebrating the signing of defensive tackle Linval Joseph. . .and with good reason. . .the Minnesota Vikings have lost a talented player that will be getting the opportunity to showcase his talents in a new location.

Running back Toby Gerhart has signed a three-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he will presumably immediately step in as the starting running back.

Gerhart was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, just months after finishing second in the closest Heisman Trophy race ever. Unfortunately for him, being stuck behind the best running back of this generation limited his opportunities, as he only carried the ball 276 times in his four seasons as a Viking, including just 36 this past season. He was productive when he got the ball, rushing for 1,305 yards at an average of 4.7 yards per carry and five touchdowns during his time in Minnesota. He also caught 77 passes for 600 yards and three more scores.

It would have been nice to bring Gerhart back, but he's obviously talented enough to start in the National Football League, and as long as Adrian Peterson is employed by the Minnesota Vikings, he's the main man in the backfield.

Best of luck to Toby Gerhart going forward, except in those instances where the Jaguars play the Vikings.