One More Free Agent Signing Would Push Vikings Offseason Over The Top

Dec 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter (64) blocks Las Vegas Raiders outside linebacker K.J. Wright (34) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

For the most part, Vikings writers and fans are expressing moderately-enthusiastic assessments of the Vikings’ offseason.

The most notable changes, without question, had to do with the front office and coaching. Minnesota has almost an entirely new leadership structure, so many believed that this would then lead to significant changes in the personnel.

That thinking hasn’t materialized.

Instead of tearing things down, the Vikings’ leadership group decided to stay the course. I know some are critical of this approach, but look at it from the GM’s and HC’s perspective. They’re inheriting a team that has underperformed, one that could have reasonably done better had injuries and coaching been different. Why not give it another year or two to see if new coaching can make it all work? If not, then Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his staff will be able to make more robust changes with the added benefit of having a thorough understanding of the team.

It’s the decision to compete in 2022 that leaves me wondering if signing even one more free agent would be prudent. The NFL season is a long, gruelling one, so there’s no such thing as too much talent.

Salary cap constraints, of course, are the major factor. The Vikings don’t have a ton left in the budget following the other offseason moves. Nevertheless, one wonders if making a move for J.C. Tretter would be the right decision. The veteran isn’t getting any younger, but there’s very little chance Garrett Bradbury could equal Tretter’s level of play. A one-year deal makes sense.

One also wonders about another EDGE or corner. Justin Houston and Jerry Hughes can still be productive, especially in a rotational role. Both could help to get after the QB on third downs. Some corners to consider include Bryce Callahan, Chris Harris, and even Kevin King. King, a former Packer, has ties to Minnesota since Mike Pettine is Minnesota’s assistant head coach.

Minnesota can carve out a few more million in cap room if they want. Devoting some newfound money to just one more free agent could be the difference between a year-1 success and year-1 failure.



[brid autoplay=”true” video=”1006460″ player=”26281″ title=”The%20Vikings%20in%20London.%20Let&#39s%20Talk%20about%20It.” duration=”831″ description=”Dustin Baker gives a London-themed lesson on Vikings-Saints.” uploaddate=”2022-05-04″ thumbnailurl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19439/snapshot/1006460_th_1651699354.jpg” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19439/sd/1006460.mp4″ width=”16″ height=”9″]

Share: