FA Fits: Lorenzo Carter Could Provide Upside Depth at EDGE
K. Joudry
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Soon, we’ll learn more about the various moves the Vikings are making to clear cap space. The money won’t be infinite, and yet there will be enough to make several signings. One such deal may be to bring in Lorenzo Carter, an edge rusher who has a higher ceiling than what he showed for the Giants.
Lorenzo Carter as a Purple EDGE
Bringing in relatively young players – such as those coming off their rookie deals – makes a ton of sense. There are still several years of strong play ahead, and many are motivated to show themselves capable of increased responsibility.
A former third-round selection, Carter may end up being exactly what the Vikings need. True, he’s unlikely to morph into Danielle 2.0, but that’s not necessarily what the team is aiming for. Rather, the hope would be that Carter could come in to compete for a starting spot, either settling in as a high-end rotational player or surprise starter.
It’d be fair to say that he never turned into a dominant pass rusher for the Giants. Last season, he had 5 sacks, the most of his career. He also had 16 pressures and 8 QB hurries. Overall, modest stats given that he played 66% of the team’s defensive snaps.
There’s reason to believe he could continue to grow. After all, he’s still only 26. Take a peak at how The Draft Network describes his potential:
New York Giants outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter is a highly athletic defender that has experience playing in Joseph’s preferred 3-4 tendencies. Carter has yet to develop into the sack artist he’s capable of becoming, but he possesses an exciting all-around skill set that serves him well in coverage and as a run defender. The sky remains the limit for the 26-year-old Carter, who was among the best testers in the 40-yard dash (4.46) and broad jump (10’10”) at the 2018 combine.
It’s that upside that ought to be most intriguing. If the Vikings sign him for a one-year, prove-it deal that comes in around $4 million, it’s more than worth it (PFF suggests it’ll be 2 years for $4 per year). His speed alongside his 6’5 length makes him a really exciting option in a 3-4.
Closing Statement
The Vikings have several young defensive ends already on their roster. Part of the issue, though, is trying to discern whether D.J. Wonnum, Janarius Robinson, Patrick Jones II, and/or Kenny Willekes could be an OLB in Donatell’s 3-4.
Even if a couple of these players stick around, the team needs more help at EDGE. Lorenzo Carter is a player who offers Minnesota all kinds of potential. At the very least, he’s a strong run defender who is average in the pass rush. That alone makes him a better option than several of the depth players.
If the team ends up prioritizing corner and/or the offensive line, then it’ll need to be value options in FA to help along the edge. Both the run and pass defense need to take a step forward, so considering Carter makes a lot of sense.
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