All-Pro Defensive Tackle Linked to the Vikings
Josh Frey
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Ndamukong Suh is a name that has been familiar to Vikings fans for many years. Entering the league in 2010 with the Detroit Lions, the defensive tackle terrorized opposing NFC North offenses for years, en route to a Defensive Rookie of the Year as well as a trio of first team All-Pro selections. Since leaving Detroit after the 2014 season, Suh has been a bit of a journeyman. He’s spent the last seven years hopping between sunny destinations with the Miami Dolphins, LA Rams, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now, the 35-year-old may have his sights set on the Minnesota Vikings.
Suh hopped on ESPN‘s “NFL Live” to chat about his future over the weekend, and it seems that the veteran is not quite ready to call it quits. He admitted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are probably out of the picture, but he does want to continue his NFL career. Per Tyler Dragon, it appears that there is a two-horse race in this contest to land Suh: the aforementioned Vikings and the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders have already had a very busy offseason in the new juggernaut division that is the AFC West. Their moves were highlighted by the trade acquisition of former Green Bay Packer wide receiver Davante Adams. Adding Ndamukong Suh to their defensive front would just be the cherry on top for the offseason. That said, there are some conflicting reports surrounding the likelihood of Suh donning the black and silver.
If the Raiders are indeed out, this likely puts the Vikings at the top of the list. Minnesota currently has just under $11 million in effective cap to work with, per Over The Cap. Using some of that space, if not most of it, would be worthwhile on a veteran like Suh. First of all, he’s a Super Bowl champion and knows what it takes to succeed on the highest stage. It’s almost a guarantee that he’ll be on the field as well. Throughout his career, he’s played in 191 of a possible 193 games. And finally, Suh is not only on the field, but an effective player. In each of the last two seasons, he’s recorded six sacks and a combined 32 QB hits in that time.
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The Minnesota Vikings need a stronger defensive front if they want to compete in 2022, and they clearly understand that. They’ve already added Za’Darius Smith and Harrison Phillips through free agency, so the acquisition of Suh only makes an already far-improved group even more dangerous.
