4 Depth Pieces the Vikings Should Re-Sign This Offseason
The Minnesota Vikings are set to have a number of players enter free agency this offseason.
While there are certainly star level players such as Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter who will require large chunks of cash, the Vikings should consider bringing back their depth pieces as well. Here are four of those rotational players that should be on Minnesota’s radar in free agency.
TE Johnny Mundt
Johnny Mundt saw his role reduced in 2023 with the signing of Josh Oliver at the tight end position, but especially down the stretch of the year, he proved he is still plenty capable of taking on key snaps with the offense.
Over the final two weeks of the season without T.J. Hockenson in the lineup, Mundt caught nine passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. There is a very high chance that Hockenson won’t be ready to go by Week 1 next year, so in order to ensure that Minnesota continues to get reliable production from the tight end spot, Mundt should be brought back in March.
DL Sheldon Day
The Vikings have a number of key players entering free agency on their defensive front this offseason. It is extremely likely that Minnesota will be without at least one of Jonathan Bullard, Marcus Davenport, Hunter, or D.J. Wonnum when the 2024 season begins.
As a result, Sheldon Day should be a priority for the Vikings this offseason. Day appeared in each of the Vikings final six games this season after residing on the practice squad for the majority of the year. Prior to this season, though, the veteran has proven capable of helping NFL defenses in a rotational role. More than anything, the Vikings simply need extra bodies on their defensive front next season, and Day should be a candidate to return.
It should be noted that Day has a previous history with Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. They both were with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-19 when Adofo-Mensah held an assistant role in the front office.
IOL Blake Brandel
Other than the key starters, Blake Brandel should probably be at the top of the list of players that the Vikings look to retain. Over the past couple years, Minnesota has gone through a number of injuries on their offensive line, and time and time again, Brandel has been a reliable player to step into the starting lineup at multiple positions.
Brandel started three games at left tackle during the 2022 season, and prior to the 2023 campaign, he made the transition to guard. Because of Ed Ingram’s injuries during the year, Brandel had to start at right guard twice this season, and again, he lived up to the challenge. Luckily, Brandel is a restricted free agent this offseason, so Minnesota will have top priority to bring him back.
S Theo Jackson
Theo Jackson emerged in the Vikings secondary at different points in the season this year. Under Brian Flores’ tutelage, the safety played 126 defensive snaps in 2023, and he made a career highlight by intercepting a pass in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles after Josh Metellus left the game with an injury.
Considering Harrison Smith is entering his age-34 season in 2024 and could be a cap casualty because of a massive cap hit this year, Jackson seems like the next in line at the safety spot as long as the Vikings make an effort to bring him back in free agency. Again, the Vikings have the benefit of Jackson being a restricted free agent, so they will have a great chance to sign him again.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.