Vikings Could Still Use Free Agency to Create a Ferocious Pass Rush
It’s easy to forget that there are still a lot of talented players on the free agent market. If you take a few moments to peruse the list of available players, you’ll notice that many of the best names are at edge rusher. A Vikings fan could therefore conclude that the team still has the capacity to create a tremendous pass rush.
Let’s start with what we know for sure.
Danielle Hunter was retained and Za’Darius Smith came in for a visit. If – and a lot hinges on that tiny word – both played for the Vikings in 2021, the pass rush could be formidable. Now, a lot will need to get sorted out for that to occur. Both have injury concerns and the financial aspect of things is far from set. Nevertheless, it won’t be shocking if they’re the main edge rushers in 2022.
Otherwise, it’s notable who is still available. Jadeveon Clowney, Jerry Hughes, Justin Houston, Derek Barnett, Arden Key, and Melvin Ingram III are all still out there. The team, of course, can’t be in the running for all of these players, but it wouldn’t be shocking to learn they’re flirting with at least one or two.
Take, for instance, Justin Houston. I get that he’s older, but he’s still effective. He has experience in a 3-4, and he put forth a rock solid 77.9 PFF grade over 577 snaps last season. Bringing him aboard would be for him to serve as the team’s #3 pass rusher, someone who can create havoc on obvious passing downs and in critical moments of the game.
Someone like Clowney is likely too expensive. He has never lived up to his draft status, but fans who think he’s a complete bust are misguided. He’s a good NFL player, and he could be part of a strong pass rush for the Vikings. The issue would simply be the dollars and cents. Perhaps more time in free agency could bring his price down.
Heading into the draft with just Hunter and the various young players – D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones, Janarius Robinson – would be foolish. Hunter is coming off two straight years of serious injury and nobody else on the team has shown they can be starters. Don’t let Wonnum’s 8 sacks from last season fool you: he still has a long way to go. The team has plenty of holes on the roster, so we can’t assume they’ll therefore be going EDGE in the draft.
Looking to some of the veteran talent that remains could help to not only solidify things, but also make the pass rush a strength for the team. There is legit talent out there. We’ll see if the team makes it a priority to bring in players who can help turn things around for Minnesota in this regard.
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