As free agency news continues to heat up, another free agency target for the 2022 Minnesota Vikings offensive line is now off the board. Last night, Ryan Jensen returned to Tampa Bay on a three-year/$39 million deal following Tom Brady announcing his un-retirement. Jensen was presumed to be the top free agency target at the center position before signing his latest contract.
Since the Vikings have gone all-in on another Kirk Cousins extension, they need to make it an emphasis to beef up the interior of their offensive line this offseason. There were obviously other options for Minnesota, but they are slowly coming off the board without a peep from the Vikings. One such piece was former Washington Commanders guard Brandon Scherff who is signing what seems to be a lucrative deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Scherff was a player viewed as the top guard free agent this offseason after fabulous seasons in Washington from 2019-21 that saw him record PFF grades of 75.4, 84.1, and 73.6. Down in Jacksonville, he will help protect their young QB Trevor Lawrence while also bringing some good run-blocking chops to the table.
Shortly thereafter, two other names that the Vikings likely had their eyes on went off the board. Laken Tomlinson is signing a three-year/$40 million deal with the Jets after a great campaign with the 49ers. He was a key contributor to one of the best offensive lines in San Francisco during 2021. Then, one of my personal favorites, center Ben Jones was announced to be returning to Tennessee on a two-year/$14 million deal that is very team-friendly given how productive he’s been.
Outside of the Cousins extension and bringing back kicker Greg Joseph on the RFA tender, Minnesota has been very quiet on the free agent market to this point. There are obviously moves to come, though, and be assured that Vikings Territory will have all the news as it happens.
