ESPN Analyst Picks Vikings Signing as League’s Best
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had an outstanding free agency class a year ago when he added immediate Pro Bowlers Sam Darnold, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Jonathan Greenard, as well as potential Pro Bowl snubs Blake Cashman and Aaron Jones.
ESPN Analyst Picks Vikings Signing as League’s Best
This year, he had even more money in his bank account to spend on newcomers and has hired some intriguing players, in addition to re-signing Pro Bowl corner Byron Murphy Jr. and running back Jones.
His long list of additions includes offensive linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, and defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Both lines were among Minnesota’s weaknesses in the past season, so it’s thrilling that the decision-makers have been trying to fix it.
Allen, a longtime Washington defender, has been a praised acquisition. ESPN assembled a panel of experts to analyze free agency, and one of the tasks was to name the league’s best overall move. Well, Allen was named by Pamela Maldonado.
The sports betting analyst stressed his potential impact on the defense’s weakness, “The Vikings signing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Minnesota’s defense desperately needed disruption and toughness, especially against the run. Landing Allen at three years, $60 million instantly fixes that. He can stop plays cold and send quarterbacks scrambling.”
Some of the other picks went to the Rams for signing Davante Adams, the Bills acquiring Joey Bosa, or the Ravens re-signing Ronnie Stanley.
Indeed, Allen will be a massive upgrade over departed veteran Jerry Tillery or remaining free agent Jonathan Bullard. There’s a reason why he is a two-time Pro Bowler and has earned a three-year deal worth $60 million.
Maldonado opened the race for the division: “It’s a move that reshapes the Vikings’ defensive identity and significantly elevates their competitiveness in the NFC North.”
The Lions and Packers should continue to be strong football teams, and the Bears have, like the Vikings, attempted to fix their roster issues while also adding hotshot first-time head coach Ben Johnson to fully unleash Caleb Williams.
The division was nearly invincible in 2024 (at least in the regular season; let’s not talk about the postseason debacle for all three playoff teams), and it should continue to be a slugfest.
Back to Allen, he is coming off a season that was shaped by an injury with a partially torn pectoral muscle that forced him to miss about half the season. He then returned for the postseason but wasn’t at 100%.
Throughout his career, Allen has played in 109 contests, recording 401 tackles and 42 sacks. He can get after the quarterback and is an efficient run defender. His presence and that of fellow new defensive lineman Javon Hargrave will make a huge difference for Brian Flores, who now can send only four rushers and still expect his guys to pressure the quarterback.
Allen said at his introductory press conference Wednesday: “When you look at a guy like Coach Flores, man, they refer to him as a ‘mad scientist.’ Sometimes we’ll be in a 3-4, bringing pressure off both ends, and some games we’re switching it up. Every week, being in that playbook’s a big key. But I really like how he’s able to create space on the inside and allow guys to get 1-on-1s. And when you get 1-on-1s in this NFL, you’ve gotta be able to win those. I’m looking forward to just fitting right in and doing what I can to help.”
The defender turned 30 in January. He has the potential to be a game-changer for the Vikings.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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