3 Candidates To Potentially Replace Rick Spielman in 2022
The Minnesota Vikings are unfortunately stuck in the middle of mediocrity with no sense of direction going forward. The defensive portion of the roster is aging significantly, and the lack of depth at certain positions has been conspicuous.
Over the years, Rick Spielman has made questionable moves and quite honestly has lost his composure and panicked the past few seasons due to unexpected injuries. He traded a first and fourth-round pick for Sam Bradford that unfortunately only played 17 games in two full seasons for Minnesota.
Other questionable moves that Spielman has made involve Kirk Cousins and, more specifically, extending him after the 2019 season. The move was made to free up cap space to re-sign safety Anthony Harris, who currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Spielman era potentially could be coming to an end and after multiple misses in the draft and trade market. He’s missed on Kaare Vedvik, Yannick Ngakoue trades, and during the draft, he has missed on first-round picks LaQuon Treadwell, Mike Hughes, Garrett Bradbury, and Jeff Gladney.
At age 59, his best days could be behind him, and I don’t think it’s too far-fetched to possibly see Rick Spielman step down and move to an advisory role — or simply just retire. If not, the Wilfs might even decide to look another direction and fire Spielman once the season concludes.
On Mackey and Judd, a Minnesota-based sports podcast, a potential rumor discussed that the Wilfs are already starting to look at “what if” scenarios involving current general manager Rick Spielman being replaced.
Co-host and former StarTribune column writer Judd Zulag said, “I can tell you right now that there have been some inquires made internally about what about this or what about if Rick was to be fired or step away.”
If Spielman is to step down or be fired, there are plenty of worthy candidates that the Wilfs family can look at to replace him. The Vikings have a nice core of young players and, in many eyes, are a small re-tool away from perhaps being the next Arizona Cardinals or San Francisco 49ers.
Here are three candidates Minnesota should consider replacing Rick Spielman:
Ed Dodds
Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM
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Ed Dodds is entering his 18th season in the NFL, his fourth season with the Colts, and third as assistant general manager. Before Indianapolis, Dodds spent 10 seasons (2007-2016) with the Seattle Seahawks.
When Dodds was in Seattle, his job title was senior personnel executive, and he was responsible for evaluating both college and pro talent. During his time, Dodds was a part of six winning seasons, five NFC West titles, and 10 playoff wins in addition to two Super Bowl appearances (one win.)
This past offseason, Dodds interviewed with the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers for their general manager openings, so the expectation is he will be the ideal target for most openings this offseason.
Dodds, age 39, fits the mold of teams targeting younger minds to construct rosters and think outside of the box. He has been a significant help to Chris Ballard and a key piece to some of their young additions over recent years.
Dodds’ first year as assistant general manager resulted in a draft class including First Team All-Pros: Quentin Nelson (sixth overall) and Darius Leonard (36th overall). Both players are arguably franchise-changing caliber players and have been near the top of their respected positions.
In 2020, Dodds assisted with the free-agent signings of Xavier Rhodes and Phillip Rivers in addition to a nine-man draft class that features second-rounders Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor.
Minnesota should be all over Dodds. He fits the mold of today’s modern NFL and can bring a new sense of energy the team desperately needs. If the Wilfs hire Dodds, he could bring defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus with him as Minnesota’s next head coach, something to keep an eye out for.
The roster is old and basic — it’s time to bring more swagger and creativity to an exciting young core that includes Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Irv Smith Jr, and Eric Kendricks.
Joe Horitz
Baltimore Ravens Director of College Scouting
Joe Hortiz is in his 19th season with the Ravens and his seventh as director of college scouting.
Hortiz’s responsibilities have included all aspects of the college process, such as coordinating schedules, cross-checking duties of the area, and regional scouts. He also manages the team’s draft preparation, evaluation, and ranking process of hundreds of NFL draft prospects.
The Baltimore Ravens are widely respected across the league and have had many successful front office executives. As of recently, Eric DeCosta took over after Ozzie Newsome retired and has flourished drafting players such as Lamar Jackson, Patrick Queen, Marquise Brown, and Mark Andrews in recent years.
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The Ravens are a tree that most teams should want to pluck from, and Horwitz can be the next one. At age 46, he has quite the resume over his years in Baltimore as he’s been involved and assisted in multiple draft classes.
Hortiz was involved in the selections of Ronnie Stanley, CJ Mosley, Kelechi Osemele, Kyle Juszczyk, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Williams, Michael Pierce, Zadarius Smith, and many more.
When it comes to locating and evaluating talent, Horitz has an excellent track record from his time as director of college scouting. The Vikings have had depth issues for years and specifically figuring out the quarterback position long-term.
He was involved with draft Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco, and most recently, dual-threat league MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
He has an eye for talent, and Minnesota should at least bring him in for an interview since most teams won’t likely have him at the top of their list.
Rick Smith
Former Houston Texans General Manager
Rick Smith is the most interesting name on my list since he took a leave of absence from the Houston Texans in 2017 after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and unfortunately passed away in January 2019.
It’s been reported that Smith is interested in returning and most recently interviewed for the Denver Broncos job back in January 2020. Smith was also the leading candidate and front runner for the Atlanta Falcons job.
The interest around the league for Smith is legitimate, and he will likely land a job this offseason. Minnesota should be in the mix and is arguably be the most desired job.
If Smith indeed plans on making a comeback, he might be the best candidate available this offseason. Minnesota is the perfect destination for Smith, and he won’t come back to take over a team that needs a complete roster overhaul.
Minnesota’s roster is ideal for Smith because it isn’t a complete disaster, and they can still compete next year and maybe more with the right guy calling the shots.
Smith has an exceptional resume and helped construct an impressive Houston Texans roster over the years that has included Deshaun Watson, JJ Watt, Brian Cushing, DeAndre Hopkins, Brandon Brooks, Jadeveon Clowney, Will Fuller, DJ Reed, and Duane Brown.
Smith would bring stability to Minnesota, and his track record backs it up. He has an eye for talent and has also made smart free-agent signings and trades. If Minnesota decides to hire Smith, who knows maybe, Deshaun Watson will waive his no-trade clause, and Smith can pull off a Watson to Minnesota trade?
Anything is possible with the right guy in charge, and Smith would be an excellent hire for a roster that isn’t as far away as it seems in many eyes. The Wilf’s need to make a splash this offseason, and Rick Smith is the guy to swing big for.
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