Vikings Eye Former Packer for Turncoat Duty
Dustin Baker
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Since the start of 2014, the beginning of former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer’s tenure, the franchise ranks as follows for offensive line pass protection, per Pro Football Focus:
- 2014 = 23rd
- 2015 = 28th
- 2016 = 30th
- 2017 = 17th
- 2018 = 27th
- 2019 = 27th
- 2020 = 29th
- 2021 = 27th
The rankings are horrid and habitual.
So when a new coaching staff took over last month, onlookers of the Vikings dreamed of a scenario in which a fix is finally found. And that would likely involve improved guard play and stability at center.
Well, one solution may be evident if the Vikings get their man in free agency — and that’s Green Bay Packers guard Billy Turner, who was released by Minnesota’s foe on Monday.
With Turner’s exodus from Wisconsin, the Vikings are rumored to hold keen interest:
Although Turner has played some at tackle in the past, he’s manned hybrid guard-tackle duty throughout his eight-season career.
Because Minnesota has sturdy bookends on its offensive line with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill — but somehow still experiences suspect pass protection as a line on the whole — Turner would likely play right guard in Minnesota if signed.
The Vikings also have Wyatt Davis on the roster, but it is unclear if he’ll pan out as a bonafide starter in the league. In college, Davis was masterful at Ohio State. Yet, upon entry into the NFL, last year’s coaching staff stuck him in a bunker, disallowing the lineman from regular-season playing time.
If Davis is not the right guard plan for the 2022 Vikings, Turner would be a reasonably-priced solution. Here’s his Pro Football Focus resume to date:
- 2014 = 64.3
- 2015 = 55.1
- 2016 = 32.3
- 2017 = 41.5
- 2018 = 64.4
- 2019 = 65.3
- 2020 = 69.3
- 2021 = 66.2
Indeed, there were some dreadful campaigns during Turner’s maturation with the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos, but those tribulations stabilized amid the last four years.
Turner will be 31 during the 2022 regular season. He’s also a name some Minnesotans will recognize collegiately, playing for North Dakota State before turning pro.
Drafted in 2014 in the 3rd Round, Turner was chosen on the same day the Vikings welcomed former scatback Jerick McKinnon to the franchise.
Turner was cut by the Packers soon after Aaron Rodgers recommitted to the team and while Green Bay navigates the Davante Adams situation, a player who insists he will not play on the notorious franchise tag.
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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