The Vikings Still Have Some Great Options in Free Agency
K. Joudry
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The new league year only begins at the end of the day but there has already been a flurry of activity. Our Minnesota Vikings have gotten in on the fun by making the unexpected move for DT Dalvin Tomlinson, and they still have plenty of great free agent options. Let’s take stock of where things stand and where they may go.
Where Things Stand
Well, the Vikings have made some improvements to the roster. Stephen Weatherly was brought back, providing some much needed depth at defensive end. Unfortunately, it looks like the Vikings will move on from Ifeadi Odenigbo. The Vikings also re-signed Rashod Hill (as we suggested they would) and signed LB Nick Vigil.
The biggest addition (no pun intended) is Tomlinson. As Cole recently explained, Minnesota fans ought to be encouraged by this signing. Partnering Tomlinson with Michael Pierce will give Minnesota a formidable pair in the middle of their defense. Mike Zimmer’s defense is really predicated on shutting down the opposition’s run game. Once he accomplishes that initial goal, Zim can mix up his coverages and blitzes to make life difficult for the opposing QB.
Shamar Stephen has been cut to make room for Tomlinson. Stephen is a good pro, one who played better than most fans believe. Even still, his $5 million salary was likely too much (the Stephen cut means that four of TVG’s five cut candidates have been let go). There are rumors that Minnesota will partake in more salary cap tomfoolery to lower Adam Thielen’s cap hit, freeing up some much needed financial flexibility to keep making moves.
Where Things Will Go
The Vikings still have some great free agent options. The rumors are that the suddenly-spendthrifty Bill Belichick will allow David Andrews to truly test free agency. He is a player who we highlighted before as someone who makes sense for our oft-overwhelmed offensive line. The Raiders (inexplicably) cut Rodney Hudson recently, so he presents another option for Minnesota. Minnesota ought not be shy about snagging a great center.
Otherwise, we should keep an eye on some familiar names. Anthony Harris is still being considered as an option (which we support) and there is reportedly an offer on the table for Mackensie Alexander. Both players would make a ton of sense. The goal with free agency is to take steps forward, not backward. Adding quality players to our still-inexperienced secondary would be a wise move. An outside name to keep an eye on is Adoree’ Jackson. He has battled injuries but is young, a former first-round pick, and talented.
We should also expect our Vikings to consider the free agent options who could help at edge rusher. A veteran like Melvin Ingram, Carlos Dunlap, or Everson Griffen would be a welcome addition if the price is right. The Vikings have youth on the d-line (D.J. Wonnum is going to be good). Adding a vet to contribute in pressure packages and to mentor the kids would make a lot of sense.
Reflections on Our Vikings’ Free Agent Options
Slick Rick got his nickname for a reason: the dude isn’t shy about pulling off big moves. There are still a ton of great players available, and the salary cap naysayers are misguided in their assertion that Minnesota has no money to spend. We’ve already signed one big-time free agent and the Vikings are making moves for contributors in tier-2 of free agency. Stay tuned, folks.
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