The Vikings Are in Need of Tight End Depth
Josh Frey
|
In 2022, the Minnesota Vikings look forward to a return of Irv Smith to the lineup. They got off to a cruel start in 2021 when Smith tore his meniscus during training camp. It was supposed to be his shining moment to truly emerge after Kyle Rudolph’s departure that never came to be. Instead, the moment went to Tyler Conklin, and he proved very capable by recording a slash line of 61/593/3. The problem is, Conklin now heads into free agency and could command a larger contract than Minnesota is willing to pay.
That leaves the Vikings with tight ends that combined for a whopping one target during the 2021 season.
Of course, we expect Smith to get back to his usual form going into the 2022 season, so this number is a bit disingenuous. That said, the Vikings tight end position still needs more depth, especially if Smith were to undergo a setback with his injury. Leaving a Ben Ellefson or Zach Davidson in a crucial role at the position is not something that can happen if the Vikings want to compete in 2022.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”962496″ player=”26281″ title=”WATCH%204%20top%20landing%20spots%20for%20JuJu%20SmithSchuster%20in%20NFL%20free%20agency” duration=”112″ description=”JuJu Smith-Schuster bet on himself in 2021, signing a one-year contract and staying with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the decision backfired, the talented wide receiver will still be an attractive target in NFL free agency this offseason.” uploaddate=”2022-02-25″ thumbnailurl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/snapshot/962436_s_1645808744951.png” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/streaming/962436/962436.m3u8″]
Additionally, this need moves past the 2022 season. Like Conklin this offseason, Smith enters unrestricted free agency in the 2023 offseason unless an extension can be agreed upon. It doesn’t feel like Smith will get an extension though as he will likely need to play a “prove it” year in 2022 before getting his money.
Overall, Minnesota has a couple directions they can go. First, they could fork over the cash to keep Conklin. This would give them a duo of capable pass-catchers at the Vikings tight end position, and we could see what the hype was all about going into the 2021 season. They could also go into the draft to grab another player. 2022 does not have the same type of playmakers that 2021 did like Kyle Pitts or Pat Freiermuth at the position. However, there are capable players that could be found in Day Two or even Day Three. Jake Ferguson out of Wisconsin is just one such example.
Whether they retain current players, go after someone in free agency, or pick up a draft prospect, one thing is certain. The Vikings cannot stand pat with where their TE position is currently at.
