On the Second Day of Free Agency, Vikings Focus on Three Notable Players
The Minnesota Vikings made some moves on Monday, agreeing to terms with cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and center Ryan Kelly, filling two significant roster needs. Re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. to a three-year contract turned out to be Kwesi Adofo-Menash’s biggest action, but more can be achieved on Tuesday.
On the Second Day of Free Agency, Vikings Focus on Three Notable Players
There are still plenty of players available. For the Vikings, these three would be home runs.
Jonathan Allen
The defensive front has been a problem for years. The Vikings employ run stuffers and have been pretty successful in that area, but getting after the quarterback hasn’t been the strong suit of the defensive interior.
Jonathan Allen could change that. The long-time Commanders’ defensive tackle has produced 42 career sacks and was one of the better interior pass-rushers in his heyday. He might no longer be at the peak of his powers, but acquiring the defender would still be a massive upgrade.
Adofo-Mensah’s comments suggest that help is on the way. “To play January football, there’s a certain way you’ve got to play. You’ve got to be able to control the ball, and be able to get after the passer with just four. We need to get better and will,” Adofo-Mensah told the media at the annual draft combine.
Another aspect that speaks for Allen? He doesn’t count toward the compensatory pick formula, and the Vikings don’t risk losing any draft capital by signing him.
A visit reportedly took place on Monday.
Jevon Holland
Another big-time player on the market is safety Jevon Holland. Let’s address the elephant in the room first: He was a Brian Flores draft pick in 2021, and connections to coaches are worth a ton in the NFL.
During his four years with the Dolphins, Holland secured five interceptions, made 301 tackles, and recorded five sacks.
The Vikings lost Cam Bynum in free agency, and Harrison Smith’s future is still uncertain. At this point, there are four safeties under contract: Swiss Army Knife Joshua Metellus, re-signed backup Theo Jackson, special teamer Jay Ward, and depth player Bubba Bolden.
Holland is one of the premier safeties in the NFL, and he will be compensated accordingly. There are some cheaper options available, but Flores might want his guy back.
Will Fries
The guard spots have been a disaster for almost a decade, and some free agents have already found new employers. Will Fries, likely the top guard available, hasn’t.
The former Colts’ right guard could immediately make concerns about the interior pass protection disappear, especially since he would reunite with his center, Ryan Kelly.
Fries is coming off a season that started at a Pro Bowl level but unfortunately ended in Week 5 with a fractured tibia.
Solidifying the offensive line should be a priority for the Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy expected to make his first NFL start this season.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt