Austin Corbett Is an Ideal FA Target for the Vikings
K. Joudry
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My assumption is that most folks who are reading this piece will be watching the Super Bowl. If that is indeed the case, perhaps spend a few plays looking at the Rams’ right guard. Austin Corbett could end up being a great option for the Vikings’ iOL.
Over the weekend, I wrote about the need to address the interior of the offensive line. My basic conclusion was that it does indeed need a fair bit of work, though getting into major bidding wars would be misguided. What are the chances Corbett could be brought in for a reasonable deal?
The 26-year-old right guard is in his fourth year in the NFL. He was originally a second-round pick by the Rams back in 2018. Since that time, he has solidified himself as one of the key components of LA’s offense. In 2020, he finished as PFF‘s 11th-best guard. This past year, he came in at 27th overall (two spots higher than Ezra Cleveland).
The obvious connection here is with Kevin O’Connell, who ought to be the Minnesota’s next head coach. What are the chances K/O could help bring talented players like Austin Corbett over to the Vikings?
The Rams offense isn’t altogether different from the Minnesota offense (at least the one we’ve seen in past years). In many ways, it’s merely a better version of what Minnesota has tried to do, so it’s not like the purple offense will need to completely reinvent the wheel. The focus, in all likelihood, will be more about fine-tuning and adjusting to the strengths that are already in place.
Perhaps the most glaring weakness on the offense is RG (some would say center, and I wouldn’t argue). Corbett would provide a scheme-fit who also has a history of strong play. Take a look at what Sheil Kapadia had to say about him: “He’s done an excellent job for the Rams at right guard over the past two seasons and has started 33 consecutive regular-season games. The top of the guard market is $16 million per year. If Corbett gets paid like a top-15 guard, that would mean a deal worth at least $9 million per year. Given his age and performance, he should have a strong market.”
$9 million per year is a fair bit, so it would be surprising to see the Vikings pay so much. If the team were to simply look at the highest-paid right guards – rather than all guards – then the number could be more manageable. The right guard top ten ranges from more than $18 million to $5.4 million. A deal around $7 million per season would put him right around Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow. Not elite money, but it’s at the back end of the top ten.
What I’m trying to suggest is that there’s a sweet spot in there. A deal that flirts with $10 million/year is too high. He can be paid as a top-ten player at his position with a number closer to $7 million/year. Oh, and don’t forget that the Rams are similarly working with a snug cap. They won’t be able to retain all of their talent.
It’s easy to connect the dots on this one. Austin Corbett is young and has played well. He knows the incoming head coach. He fits the scheme and would be a clear upgrade. Plugging him into RG would mean the team basically has four of their five starting OL spots filled. If they decided to bring back Mason Cole, the line would be Christian Darrisaw – Ezra Cleveland – Mason Cole – Austin Corbett – Brian O’Neill. Not bad.
Given all these factors, I’d expect the Vikings to have some serious discussions about signing Corbett.
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