Vikings Increase Edge Rusher Competition, Add Young Talent from France
K. Joudry
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The roster remains a work in progress, folks.
Earlier today, we learned that the Vikings decided to beef up the edge rusher competition by adding outside linebacker Junior Aho. Per the team’s website, Aho is coming to Minnesota via the league’s International Player Pathway Program.
He’ll get a chance to compete in a pretty crowded edge rusher room.
Kevin O’Connell had this to say to Aho: “This is a super exciting call for me to make. I don’t know how long you’ve been waiting to hear where you would possibly get a chance to continue your football career, but I was thinking to myself, ‘Why not here? In Minnesota, with the best locker room in the whole National Football League?'”
The aforementioned piece on the Vikings’ website offered more background. He “grew up playing for the Dauphins De Nice before rushing the passer at the NCAA FBS level with SMU. In 2022, he played in all 13 games and recorded 23 tackles, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble. He played 25 games over three seasons for the Mustangs, totaling 43 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.”
The young OLB seems thrilled with his chance, noting, “I’m excited to be a Viking. … I’m over the moon. I’m ready to compete. And I know it’s a great culture with the Vikings; I know it’s a high standard, and I’m so excited. I’m so excited.”
Currently, the Vikings’ OLB group is led by Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and Za’Darius Smith (who may somehow remain in Minnesota). The broader depth will be a fair bit to overcome for the young edge rusher, but Aho has a chance.
Last season, Minnesota had an uninspiring 38 team sacks. Only ten teams did worse. If Junior Aho can one day help to rectify that issue, then he’ll find an opportunity to get onto the field.
At this point, there’s essentially no downside to Minnesota making the move. Bring him aboard and see if he can flourish with the Vikings.
Keep swinging by PurplePTSD, folks. The roster shuffle is going to be an ongoing reality at various points in the offseason. We’ll be sure to keep readers informed on what’s going on.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
