Is There a Free Agent Who Can Help The Vikings?
K. Joudry
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The news surrounding Richard Sherman’s deal with Tom Brady’s Bucs got me thinking: is there a free agent out there who makes sense for the Vikings? Seeing Jamie Collins released by the Knee Biters further piqued my curiosity, so I went over to Spotrac to see who they had listed as free agents.
Now, it’s important to begin with team needs. I’m assuming that everyone’s favorite purple team feels like getting help at LT (especially if the Darrisaw injury persists) is more important than getting a new middle linebacker. We happen to have one of the preeminent LBs in Eric Kendricks at that spot; LT, in contrast, has been locked down by veteran journeyman Rashod Hill. There’s quite a difference, then, between the two spots.
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Let’s begin along the OL.
Not too long ago, Dustin speculated about Russell’s Okung’s fit over at VT. Here is what he had to say: “Minnesota allegedly inquired about Okung in the past, and this might be a longshot. Yet, he is a noteworthy left tackle – and the Vikings will need one if Darrisaw misses more time.” Darrisaw appears to be close to a return, so the Okung possibility seems like a long shot. If there is a setback, perhaps Minnesota makes a move.
The emergence of K.J. Osborn certainly helps ease concerns at the WR3 spot. The Osborn-Jefferson-Thielen trio is perhaps the best set of three receivers in the NFL. They’re spectacular. Even still, Larry Fitzgerald’s name is intriguing. An all-time great with local connections, Fitzgerald would be a fantastic option as the team’s WR4. If the Conklin injury ends up being serious and we need to put more on the receiving group, a Fitz signing could happen. Keep in mind that our receiver depth beyond Osborn has been decimated by injury (Proehl, Beebe, Johnson).
Some of the more notable names are DTs. Geno Atkins and Kawann Short are available. Similar to above, Minnesota will likely only be making a move here if they are forced to respond to an injury. For what it’s worth, Sheldon Richardson has struggled so far.
Tre Boston could help solidify the safety depth if Zim lacks confidence in Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum. Tyler Eifert is available at TE. Would Conklin’s injury (and Irv’s absence) prompt the team to bring in TE help?
As it stands, Minnesota has just over $4 million in cap space. It’s not a ton, but it’s more than enough to make a move or two if needed. We also shouldn’t rule out the possibility of a trade.