Minnesota’s Free Agency Deals from Worst to Best (pt. 2)
K. Joudry
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Last week, I offered the opening assessment of free agency. It was a concise, horribly incomplete evaluation, just as today’s will be. The goal isn’t to say everything that can and should be said but, rather, to get the ball rolling. In the coming months, we’ll surely be digging into these players with greater nuance and sophistication. At this stage, we’re merely providing an initial look at the best deals from the Vikings free agency period.
Free agency, of course, is still ongoing, a topic I addressed in the opening piece. Hop over to that one if you’re looking for the added clarity.
To help with the details, I’ve turned to Pro Football Reference, Pro Football Focus, and Over the Cap.
Jordan Hicks, LB
Hicks comes in at a $3.5 million cap hit, a number that’s actually higher than Za’Darius Smith in 2022. A main reason why this deal made sense for Minnesota was that the team can cut him entering 2023 while only leaving behind $1.5 million in dead money. If they choose to keep him, his hit will grow to $6.5 million.
Before joining Minnesota, Hicks has played for the Eagles and Cardinals. He was brought on a blitz 49 times last season, and he accumulated 4 sacks (the most of his career). In Minnesota, Hicks will likely be tasked with getting after the QB on blitzes and then being a run-stuffer. He isn’t a dynamic player, but he should end up being a strong option.
Chandon Sullivan, CB
Sullivan ranks higher than Hicks for three reasons: youth, need, and value.
The 25-year-old corner is Minnesota’s best shot at a slot solution. Currently, no one else on the roster looks like a great option for slot duties. Last year, Sullivan finished with a modest 55.0 score in the PFF rankings. Most concerning is his abysmal 37.6 run defense grade.
The appeal for Sullivan is that he’s a young veteran who can stabilize a clear area of need. If the team drafts a corner, then there can be a good competition between a veteran and rookie. The rookie can either show himself capable of immediate starter responsibilities or learn behind someone who has been in the league for longer.
His one-year deal carries a $1.75 million cap hit. Cutting him clears more than $1 million.
Harrison Phillips, DT
Horrible Harry will form an impressive trio in the middle of the Vikings defense. Phillips, Armon Watts, and Dalvin Tomlinson are all good players. None of them will ascend to Aaron Donald territory, and yet they’ll all be positive contributors.
I know this isn’t sophisticated analysis, but here goes: it’s always a good sign when the old fanbase is really sad to see a player go. When news emerged that Phillips was signing with Minnesota, Buffalo fans weren’t pleased. They wished him well because he’s so well liked, though there was a noticeable desire to have seen him stay.
Last season’s 15th-best DT (per PFF) was brought in on a three-year deal. He will carry a $3.833 million cap hit into 2022. That’s a number that will grow over the next two years. Given that Tomlinson is a free agent next season, having some stability at DT is a good thing. Phillips is only 26.
Chris Reed, RG
Folks, you should get excited about Chris Reed. He’s going to make the offensive line better.
He played for Indianapolis last year, filling in when needed. He’s another player who will be missed by his former fanbase. While it’s good to see his Minnesota connection – he played college ball with Adam Thielen – his appeal goes far beyond just being a local football player.
He has spent time with Jacksonville, Miami, Carolina, and Indy. In Minnesota, he’ll have the chance to use his athleticism and work ethic to play beside Brian O’Neill. His 67.2 PFF score is way better than what the Vikings put forth last year at RG.
Za’Darius Smith, OLB
Could it really be anyone else?
Smith is an elite player who fills a need at a premium position. He is one the league’s preeminent options at 3-4 OLB. Plus, it comes at the expense of the rival Packers. It’s a win all around, folks, especially since he carries a $3.166 million hit in 2022. Now that’s good value.
When partnered with Danielle Hunter, Smith should have the capacity to return to his usually elite self. The Vikings could very reasonably put together one of the best EDGE duos in the NFL.
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