Vikings Free Agent Rumors: Kalil, Foles, & Peko

Any “penciled in” free agency deals have yet to be reported regarding the Minnesota Vikings, but reports of their intent and unconfirmed rumors persist just enough that we feel safe in predicting that Rick Spielman won’t frustrate everybody by simply sitting this one out like our foes to the east are known to do on an annual basis.

In the last couple of days the Vikings have taken steps to retain a select few of their own. Exclusive rights free agents Zac Kerin and Jeremiah Sirles have both been tendered. Also, the Vikings tendered restricted wide out Adam Thielen at the second round level, as expected.

What has yet to transpire, however, is anything of certainty suggesting the Vikings have sealed the deal with any outside talent. Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reports that the Vikings have expressed interest in free agent nose tackle Domata Peko and also that the team may end up reaching out to quarterback Nick Foles.

Peko would be a fantastic rotational lineman, and insurance policy behind Linval Joseph, who has plenty of experience within the grind of a Mike Zimmer defense. At 32 years old, the 10-year Cincinnati starter would have to be willing to embrace a reserve role if this were to happen, however.

Foles is someone the Vikings reportedly had interest in last preseason before Teddy Bridgewater’s injury, but after Taylor Heinicke’s. It is likely that the Vikings see him as a candidate to be Sam Bradford’s primary backup in 2017, in which Bridgewater is not currently expected to play, and should be considered at least a marginal upgrade to Shaun Hill.

The hottest rumors right now still revolve around left tackle (and pizza expert) Matt Kalil. Our rumor-mongering friend Ryan Boser is at it again late into Wednesday evening, leading all of us to believe that the Vikings are currently engaged in a bidding war for Kalil’s services (the football services, not the pizza services… we think).

As explained the other day, Boser infamously swung and missed big with a Michael Vick rumor before the Bradford trade, but he has accurately scooped some items since then, as well. Digest the rumors however you see fit between now and an official report (and, as Ryan states, please don’t shoot the messenger – I have a really low pain tolerance).

Be sure to check back in for all of the latest Vikings free agency news throughout the coming days and don’t forget to hang out in our ongoing Live Chat where the best Vikings fans around will be hanging out when the action really gets going.