The Vikings Should Try to Steal These Players from Their Division Rivals in 2024
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings have a great number of needs to fill during the 2024 offseason.
One way to fill these areas of need is through free agency, and there is plenty of intriguing talent set to hit to the open market this spring. Here is a look at three players the Vikings should try and poach from their division rivals this offseason in free agency.
Chicago Bears: IOL Cody Whitehair
Currently, the Vikings do not have a starting left guard in place for the 2024 season as Dalton Risner is set to enter free agency. Surprisingly, Risner is projected by some to receive a rather lucrative contract this offseason, which could impact Minnesota’s ability to retain him.
As a result, the Vikings could try to land Cody Whitehair, who was recently released by the Chicago Bears in order to free up cap space. Whitehair saw some struggles in 2023 as he bounced around an offensive line that simply wasn’t very good. However, he was one of the better interior offensive linemen in the NFL for his first seven NFL seasons. Minnesota could use a versatile o-lineman like Whitehair on their roster.
Detroit Lions: WR Josh Reynolds
The Vikings need to fill their need at WR3 and WR4 this offseason unless they have faith that Jalen Nailor can take a large step forward in 2024 after struggling with injuries throughout the past year. As a result, Josh Reynolds could very well be a strong addition as the veteran heads into free agency.
At 6’3″, Reynolds has provided the Detroit Lions with a strong presence as a boundary receiver over the past few years. In 2023, Reynolds caught 40 passes for 608 yards and tied a career-high with five touchdown receptions. To boot, Reynolds has past experience with Kevin O’Connell. The player and coach were together in the Los Angeles Rams organization during the 2020 season.
Green Bay Packers: TE Josiah Deguara
The Vikings’ pursuit of a tight end likely depends on the health of T.J. Hockenson. As of now, though, it appears very likely that Hockenson will miss at least a few games to begin the 2024 season. As a result, the only healthy tight end currently on Minnesota’s roster is Josh Oliver.
Minnesota will need to find more depth at the position, which could certainly entail simply bringing back players like Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse. However, if those two were to head elsewhere in 2024, Josiah Deguara seems like an intriguing fit for O’Connell’s offense. The athletic tight end has been a key part of the Packers’ running game over the past few years, and he certainly is capable of catching passes as well, as evidenced by his 25 receptions during the 2021 season.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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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.