Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
As the Minnesota Vikings look to start adding pieces to the offensive line, a couple of names of interest were reported on Sunday.
According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, the Vikings have had “external discussions” about free agent guard Josh Kline. Wolfson described external talks as those between the team and those who know Kline outside of the building.
Kline (6-3, 300) was signed by New England in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State. He played with the Patriots from 2013 to 2015, collecting a Super Bowl ring in 2014. Kline then played with the Tennessee Titans from 2016-2018, starting 46 out of a possible 48 games. He had a down year in 2018 but at age 29 has the potential for a bounce-back season.
Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune later tweeted that the Vikings could bring in Kline for a visit this week.
The Vikings have also touched based with offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski, per Wolfson. Wisniewski (6-3, 305) is a former second-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2011. He has experience playing all three interior line positions in the NFL. Wisniewski was most recently a left guard with Philadelphia. When healthy, he’s capable of playing at a very high level. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, the Penn State product has only allowed 8 sacks throughout his entire NFL career, which includes 4,538 passing snaps. The 29 year-old has started 24 out of a possible 48 games the last three seasons with the Eagles.
While checking-in on Wisniewski was described by Doogie as “tire-kicking,” it would certainly make sense for the Vikings to bring in a veteran with positional versatility. That becomes especially true if Nick Easton, who has reportedly garnered interest from multiple teams, signs elsewhere.
Wolfson noted that in all likelihood no moves would be made until a decision is made by Easton, which reportedly could come as soon as soon as tomorrow.
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The theme here is pretty transparent...one experienced, inexpensive, reasonably athletic interior lineman in his early/mid prime to compete for a starting job at LG. The competition will likely come from a guard chosen after round #1. Pick #18 will fill the RG role.
it's so far past time we give the O-line some attention. but, at what cost? who are we gonna give up to make cap room? maybe waynes. we really need to hit some good in the draft
I think the Vikings might be forced to go. With one of these two guys in this article. But I also think the Vikings will be drafting OL twice in the 1st 3 rounds.
Hell, if we could get the pair for them for $8-$10 million for the year, I might do it, just so that we're not forced to play a rookie or plug in a journeyman back-up like Compton again.