VT’s 2017 Free Agency Preview Roundup
Austin Belisle
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Prepare yourselves for the storm that is the NFL’s ” legal tampering” period. Starting at 12 pm PST on Tuesday and ending late into the afternoon on Thursday, the opening of the three-day window officially marks the beginning of free agency.
Representatives of the league’s impending free agents will soon be able to enter contract negotiations with the NFL’s 32 franchises, and for some players on Thursday at 4 pm EST, those negotiations will become eye-popping offers and long-term deals.
To ready the ship here at Vikings Territory, we’ve taken a deep dive into multiple position groups, analyzing the Vikings’ pending “walkers,” identifying potential signees, and assessing the market as a whole. After the jump, check out our glossary of free agent primers!
TIGHT ENDS
February 17 – Adam Warwas
PREDICTION: Although there aren’t realistic marquee names in this year’s crop of free agent tight ends, the Vikings could look to the market for reliable backups. The NFL Draft is the place to go for intriguing tight end talent.
TARGETS: Jack Doyle, Jermaine Gresham, Luke Willson, Jordan Cameron, Martellus Bennett Jared Cook.
CORNERBACKS
February 22 – Austin Belisle
PREDICTION: The Vikings re-sign Captain Munnerlyn to a long-term contract and ensure stability at the nickel corner position under Mike Zimmer. Potential free agency money is used to pay Xavier Rhodes the “big bucks.”
TARGETS: Leon Hall, Brandon Boykin, Sterling Moore, Leonard Johnson.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
February 23 – Sam Neumann
PREDICTION: Even as the elder statesman of the group, Brian Robison deserves another year or two in Minnesota. The Vikings re-sign Robison and hope for solid contributions from Stephen Weatherly in 2017.
TARGETS: Calais Campbell, Jason Pierre-Paul, Charles Johnson, Margus Hunt, Wallace Gilberry.
SAFETIES
February 27 – Adam Warwas
PREDICTION: Han Solo doesn’t find his Chewbacca in free agency, but the Vikings do bring in a lower-level free agent or two to compete for the role next to Harrison Smith. Any splash moves at safety over the next three days would be a surprise.
TARGETS: Eric Berry, Quentin Demps, D.J. Swearinger, Micah Hyde, Tony Jefferson, Duron Harmon.
QUARTERBACKS
February 28 – Adam Warwas
PREDICTION: Shaun Hill is likely out as the Vikings’ backup quarterback and replaced by a younger veteran clipboard holder. While Taylor Heinicke has potential, it’s safe to say he isn’t ready to step in for Sam Bradford next season when the quarterback is inevitably injured behind an unproven offensive line.
TARGETS: Brian Hoyer, Josh McCown, Case Keenum, Matt Cassel, Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Landry Jones.
WIDEOUTS
March 1 – Adam Warwas
PREDICTION: The Vikings pull out all the stops to retain Adam Thielen, re-sign Cordarrelle Patterson to a friendly deal, and allow underwhelming 2014 sensation Charles Johnson to wade into the free agency waters.
TARGETS: Alshon Jeffery, Vincent Jackson, Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Kenny Stills, Robert Woods, Josh Gordon.
INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE
March 2 – B.J. Reidell
PREDICTION: Sharrif Floyd is the linchpin to the Vikings’ decisions at defensive tackle. If he remains in Minnesota, expect a quiet, free agency period at the position. If not, there are quite a few options for Rick Spielman to target.
TARGETS: Dontari Poe, Nick Fairley, Sylvester Williams, Dominique Easley, Karl Klug.
RUNNING BACKS
March 3 – Sam Neumann
PREDICTION: Snag either Eddie Lacy or LeGarrette Blount in free agency. Spend early draft picks on more pressing needs and selected a sleeper running back in the later rounds.
TARGETS: Latavius Murray, Jamaal Charles, Jacquizz Rodgers, Andre Ellington.
OFFENSIVE LINE
March 6 – Drew Mahowald
PREDICTION: Possibly re-sign Matt Kalil to a “prove-it” deal and target one of free agency’s top linemen—Ricky Wagner, Russell Okung, Kevin Zeitler—when the tampering period opens.
TARGETS: Andrew Whitworth, T.J. Lang, Riley Reiff.
THE REST: LINEBACKERS & SPECIALISTS
PREDICTION: With Chard Greenway’s retirement imminent, adding a free agent linebacker is in Minnesota’s best interests. Emmanuel Lamur and Edmond Robinson are capable, yet untested options to replace Greenway, and an available free agent could fill the void left by one of Minnesota’s most beloved players.
The Vikings are also reportedly interested in keeping punter Jeff Locke, though a little competition never hurt the kicking game. Kai Forbath was serviceable as Blair Walsh‘s replacement, but a few options could provide more security for the Vikings’ kicking game.
TARGETS: Zach Brown, Rolando McClain, Malcolm Smith AND Steven Hauschka, Connor Barth, Nick Folk.
Be sure to visit Vikings Territory early and often over the next week. We’ll be providing instant analysis and thorough breakdowns of all the latest free agency news.