Free Agent Rams Player Seems like No-Brainer for Vikings
In theory, the Minnesota Vikings can start signing free agents on Monday, a tricky task for now because the team is underwater by about $15 million for the salary cap.
However, the team is expected to clear cap space — like any minute — enabling new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to sign some fresh free agents and possibly reunite existing players like Patrick Peterson with the 2022 team.
And because the new head coach, Kevin O’Connell, came from the Los Angeles Rams, some of his former players could follow him to the Vikings. That’s how it often goes, players following coaches or general managers finding “their guys” in free agency.
None make more sense than Rams offensive lineman Austin Corbett.
The Vikings have notoriously failed to lock down the right guard spot on the offensive line, employing solutions like Dakota Dozier, Dru Samia, or Oli Udoh and “calling it good.” However, half measures availed the team nothing, leading to constant pressure on pocket passer Kirk Cousins.
Corbett played at center at times in 2021, so he could play either center or right guard for the 2022 Vikings. He was drafted in the 3rd Round of the 2022 NFL — on the same day the Vikings drafted RT Brian O’Neill — and was later traded to the Rams for a 5th-Round draft pick.
Pro Football Focus ranked Corbett at #45 on its top free agents list of 2022. He should command about $10 million per season, a sum Minnesota could finagle if it clears cap space with contract restructure or trades. On Corbett’s free agency, PFF wrote:
“Corbett has turned his career around in Sean McVay’s wide zone offense, and he’s graded above the 50th percentile among all guards in zone- and gap-rushing schemes since the start of last season. He’s also graded out in the top half of qualifying guards in pass-blocking grade on true pass sets. Corbett doesn’t necessarily need to remain in a similar offense to be an effective starter.”
– Pro Football Focus
And this is Corbett’s PFF resume:
- 2018 = 54.9
- 2019 = 51.8
- 2020 = 70.9
- 2021 = 68.8
70.9 and 68.8 aren’t the Holy Grail of offensive guard play, but the numbers are damn good for the Vikings, whose guard play has fledged for years.
Other guards are available, too, like Brandon Scherff from the Washington Commanders. He’s a better football player than Corbett but will also cost about an extra $4-$5 million per season.
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Corbett is a reasonable solution to meet in the middle for price, potentially solving the Vikings longstanding center or right guard woes.
“Legal tampering” for free agency begins on Monday.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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