Departed Viking Is Finally Getting Some Free Agency Buzz

Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) gets tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Numerous Vikings left the team in free agency. Some thought the grass was greener elsewhere by chasing bigger checks or better situations. Others were left unsigned by the Vikings because the club wanted to go in a different direction. Among the latter group was defender Jonathan Bullard.

Departed Viking Is Finally Getting Some Free Agency Buzz

Bullard was part of the defensive tackle overhaul in the 2022 offseason when he joined with Harrison Phillips in free agency while Michael Pierce was axed.

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Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (93) during the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

His tenure with the purple team can be summed up as “did the dirty work.”

He has been looking for a team since March and for the first time, on Monday, he got some traction in the leaguewide news. Mike Garafolo, NFL Media, posted on social media:

“The #Saints are hosting veteran DL Jonathan Bullard on a visit today, source says. A starter the past three seasons with the #Vikings, Bullard has history with Brandon Staley, as the two were together in 2017-18 with the #Bears.”

We all know connections are crucial at the pro level and his history with Brandon Staley, the Saints’ defensive coordinator, is notable. Bullard’s NFL career started in Chicago, who drafted the Florida Gators defender in the third round of the 2016 draft.

He spent three years with the Bears but didn’t survive final roster cuts in 2019. His next year took place in Arizona, followed by half a season in Seattle and one in Atlanta. Then his time with the Vikings kicked off.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) pressures Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the third quarter of their game Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 31-29.

In three years with the Vikings, Bullard played in 46 games and he logged 38 starts. He was never a big-time playmaker but picked up blockers, which allowed guys around him to make plays. His run defense, something that is never too splashy but extremely important, helped the Vikings feature some excellent defenses on the ground.

Bullard collected three sacks, 108 tackles and 15 tackles for loss between 2022 and 2024.

Luke Loffredo, Saints Wire, noted about the visit: “It’s not surprising that the team is interested in adding another familiar face to this new system. As a traditional 4-3 defense under Dennis Allen, there was a need to find players that fit this new 3-4 system that Staley is installing. Adding veterans like Davon Godchaux, Chris Rumph II and Jonah Williams to the defensive line this offseason has helped lay the foundation for this transition.”

Aug 19, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Jonah Williams (92) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jonah Williams was a teammate of Bullard in the 2024 offseason. The Vikings signed the former Rams defender in March. He failed to make the 53-man roster and was stashed on the practice squad, until the Rams knocked and wanted their guy back.

Loffredo concluded: “Potentially adding Bullard to the mix as a 3-tech with a ton of playing experience gives the team another foundational piece to this new-look Saints defense. Let’s see if the Saints can close the deal.”

Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) runs on the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

To replace Bullard, the Vikings brought in some big guns. Finding more splash plays was clearly the intention of those signings when the franchise added former Pro Bowlers Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. The pass-rush production should get a massive boost by adding the two veterans. If they can hold up in the run the same way remains to be seen. Backups Jalen Redmond and Taki Taimani might help in that area.

Among 140 interior defenders, Bullard finished the 2024 campaign 33rd in PFF run-defense grade.

Bullard will turn 32 during the 2025 season. The Saints have not yet signed him, but a relatively cheap veteran run-stuffer should be on many teams’ lists.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFFOver The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.