5 Free Agents That Would Make the Vikings Contenders
A look at 5 possible players the Vikings could sign that would make them threats in the NFC.
This upcoming free agent class is stacked with talent and next season, we could see a lot of familiar faces in new places. Here are five guys I want to see the Vikings make a run at in free agency.
1. Joe Thuney, New England Patriots Guard
Thuney is a phenomenal run blocker and stellar in the pass game. If Minnesota targets him in free agency, which they should, he would be an immediate fix to their offensive line issue. The only thing holding the Vikings back from signing him is their lack of cap space. If they can restructure Adam Thielen and Anthony Barr and get rid of Riley Reiff and Kyle Rudolph then this deal could happen.
2. Brandon Scherff, Washington Football Team Guard
Much like Thuney, Minnesota won’t be able to sign him unless they free up cap space by restructuring contracts and releasing players. Scherff is a great player that is a top five run blocker in the league along with being an elite pass protector. I would like to see Scherff with the Vikings over Thuney because he is an overall better player but, I won’t be upset if we add Thuney. If Minnesota wants to contend right off the rip next season, they need to sign one of these maulers.
3. Derek Wolfe, Baltimore Ravens Defensive Lineman
The Vikings could sign Wolfe for cheap to a one or two year deal. With Michael Pierce returning next season and his primary role being a nose tackle used on first and second down, Wolfe would be able to play a three tech position and rush the passer on second and third downs. Adding him to the defensive line would also add a solid rotation between D.J Wonnum, James Lynch, and possibly a rookie like Jaylen Twyman.
4. Matthias Farley, New York Jets Safety
With Anthony Harris most likely leaving in free agency, I think Farley would be a great signing because, he would be cheap. He obviously isn’t the same player that Harris is but, he would be a good plug and play guy. He would also play a huge role in special teams for the Vikings the same way he did in New York.
5. Morgan Cox, Baltimore Ravens Long Snapper
I realize how minuscule a position like long snapper may seem but, last season Austin Cutting was up and down and you need consistency from a long snapper. Cox, 35, was edged out for a younger player in Baltimore but, he has pin point accuracy with great velocity on his snaps. I love Cutting but, like I said, you need consistency game in and game out at this position and he didn’t deliver that last year.
I’ve said it in various articles but, offensive line is a must for the Vikings along with rotational players on the defensive line. They need to clean up and get rid of many in house contracts before they look to free agency but, if they can free up cap space they need to be super aggressive in the market.