Report: OT Riley Reiff Plans to Sign with Vikings
According to Adam Schefter, former Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff plans to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. The team’s first free agent acquisition of the day is a versatile addition who played multiple positions for the Lions.
Selected 23rd overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, Reiff started 69 of a possible 77 games for the Lions, playing tight end, left tackle, and most recently right tackle during his five-year tenure. At 6’6″ and 313 pounds, he’s capable enough to line up on either side of the offensive line.
The report comes on the heels of Matt Kalil’s departure, as the team’s longtime left tackle signed with the Carolina Panthers for five years and $55.5 million earlier today. The loss of Kalil leaves the Vikings with minimum depth at either tackle spot. T.J. Clemmings struggled his first two years—at two different positions—and hardly represents the future up front.
At least for the foreseeable future, Reiff gives the Vikings a solid plug-and-play tackle at just 28 years old. Contract details likely won’t be released until later today, but Reiff’s value likely falls somewhere between $10 million and $12 million per season. Ricky Wagner, the consensus top right tackle in free agent, signed a contract with the Lions earlier this week and will make $9 million per year.
Even with the Reiff signing, the Vikings are in need of help elsewhere along the line. Left tackle is a major question mark for the team, and some free agents are still available. Russell Okung was previously linked to the Vikings and could make his way to Minnesota in a full group of suitors. Former San Diego lineman D.J. Fluker is also available on the open market.
It’s unclear where Reiff will fill in, but the former Iowa Hawkeye is exactly the sort of Rick Spielman signing fans had expected. Like Alex Boone last offseason, Reiff is a second-tier name who won’t break the bank in Minnesota.