1st Domino Falls as Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Re-Signs an Internal Free Agent
K. Joudry
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And so it begins. The Minnesota Vikings have announced that they have re-signed backup OT Blake Brandel.
Bringing Brandel back for 2023 is the right move, folks. He performed admirably as a depth tackle. Both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill missed time last year due to injuries. Brandel provided solid play, allowing Kevin O’Connell to keep marching ahead with his offense.
In 2020, Brandel was a 6th-round selection. At 6’7″, 315, Brandel possesses the necessary size to be an NFL offensive tackle. He didn’t see the field as a rookie, but he went on to be involved in 13 games as a sophomore. Last year, he even got 3 starts (the first starts of his NFL career).
For the year, Brandel played 274 snaps on offense. He played a single snap in the playoffs.
An important factor to remember is that Brian O’Neill is working back from a significant achilles injury. Brandel may be tasked with holding down the right tackle spot to begin the year.
Previously, we’ve also seen him used in unique ways, such as when Klint Kubiak deployed him as a jumbo tight end. One of the great highlights came when he ran a crossing route in the endzone. He was a great decoy and helped to steer two Chargers defenders into each other, leaving Tyler Conklin open for the score.
Moving forward, Vikings fans can expect Brandel to be the OT3. Vederian Lowe – a late-round pick from Adofo-Mensah’s first year as a GM – will also compete for the role.
The deal is worth $940,000. In the world of NFL finances, it’s a very small amount. Even still, money has been an ongoing concern for Vikings fans since the salary cap isn’t in an ideal spot. Finding a contributor for the OL for less than $1 million is a financial win, though.
Moving forward, the Vikings will continue deciding what to do with their internal free agents. We’ll be sure to keep you covered right here on PurplePTSD.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
