A New LB Option Has Emerged for the Minnesota Vikings
As of Tuesday morning, the Minnesota Vikings are lacking a bit of linebacker depth. Anthony Barr’s status is still up in the air, and the dreams of signing K.J. Wright are now gone. Coincidentally, this intriguing option for some added depth in the LB room comes from the same team that signed Wright: the Las Vegas Raiders. In a very surprising move that could only come from the Sin City, the Raiders decided to cut 2020 third-round draft pick, Tanner Muse. Then about an hour later in another move that can only be considered Raider-esque, they wished him a happy birthday via Twitter.
This move is surprising for a couple reasons. Releasing a third-round pick just as he’s about to enter his second NFL season is pretty surprising in and of itself. It’s even more surprising when you consider he hasn’t played a single regular season snap for the team yet and has great potential. Muse missed the entire 2020 season with a toe injury. However, he seemed headed for a big role with the team before the Wright signing. If nothing else, Muse would have been a viable special teams player.
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Obviously, the Vikings are looking to be much better on special teams this year. They were dreadful in return coverage last year, allowing the worst starting field position in the NFL during 2020. Much of the group has gone through a complete overhaul this offseason. The Vikings enter 2021 with changes at coordinator, kicker, and punter.
It makes sense for Minnesota to muse over the idea of signing Muse. Much of the sophomore linebacker’s production came in return coverage. He recorded two tackles and was emerging as a gunner on punts.
Muse came out of Clemson as a valuable asset both in pass coverage and as a blitzer. He’s fast enough to keep up with running backs in man coverage and big enough to wrap up tight ends. Of course, the Vikings already have a very adept pass coverage LB in Eric Kendricks, but some extra depth could be useful.
Finally, a signing like this could help in the future. If the Minnesota Vikings chose to throw a two-year deal his way, it would help the 2022 team as well. Anthony Barr and Nick Vigil both hit free agency following this season. Considering the amount of money already spent next year, and the fact that Brian O’Neill hasn’t been paid yet, it seems unlikely that they’ll keep either of them. Between Muse’s special teams strengths and potential on defense, this would be a smart, cheap move for the Vikings.
