The 3 Biggest Vikings Roster Needs after a Week of Free Agency
Bryce Lazenby
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NFL free agency has been going on for almost a week now. Many of the biggest names have signed deals already, and the Minnesota Vikings have been one of the busier teams.
The Vikings added a couple of new pass rushers in Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, linebacker Blake Cashman, a new quarterback, and successfully poached a running back from a division rival, among others.
However, the Vikings roster has lost some notable names as well. Star quarterback Kirk Cousins and veteran edge rusher Danielle Hunter have both moved on, and the team has lost other contributors like Troy Dye, Khyiris Tonga, and Jordan Hicks.
While the pickings in free agency are slimmer now, there are still quality names available. The Vikings also pulled off a surprising trade to add another first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Whether the Vikings just want two players in the first round, or Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is gearing up for a bigger move remains to be seen.
After the initial wave of free agency and several weeks away from the draft, here is a look at some of the more glaring needs that remain for the Vikings.
Quarterback
The quarterback position is the main focus in Minnesota right now. After veteran Kirk Cousins departed for Atlanta, the team quickly decided to sign former first-round pick Sam Darnold. Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million deal to try and reinvent his career in the Twin Cities.
The team also still has Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens on the roster. It seems unlikely that the team would roll into the season with this trio of quarterbacks, especially considering the recent trade.
It would be a shock if the Vikings didn’t address the QB position in the 2024 NFL Draft. Adding a young QB with promise is crucial. Darnold may be a solid bridge option, but the team should not rely on the former USC Trojan to be the future.
Guard
The Minnesota Vikings have not added to the guard position yet in free agency. A reunion with Dalton Risner is still possible as the veteran has not signed elsewhere. However, even if Risner returns, depth is still needed on the interior.
Ed Ingram is still slotted in as the starting right guard, and Blake Brandel was re-signed at left guard. Dan Feeney was brought in from Chicago and will provide depth on the interior. However, another proven option is needed here.
Kevin Zeitler and Risner are free agent guards who could help. The team could also use a mid-round selection to beef up the position.
Defensive Tackle
The Minnesota Vikings are thin on the defensive line right now. Dean Lowry was released last week, Tonga signed with the Arizona Cardinals, and both Sheldon Day and James Lynch remain on the free agency market. The team currently rosters just Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips, Jaquelin Roy, and the newly-signed Jerry Tillery.
Tillery is a fine rotational piece, but the team needs to add depth here. On the free agent market, the pickings are slim. Bryan Mone, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, and Teair Tart are among the best options.
After QB, I would not be surprised to see the Vikings draft a defensive lineman. If the team keeps both 1st round selections, Johnny Newton from Illinois would be a perfect addition to this defensive line.
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