3 Free Agents Who Could Make a Sizeable Impact for Vikings
The second wave has arrived, folks. Many of the marquee free agents are getting settled into their new homes. Still others are looking for the right fit. It’s the players in this second group who are on Minnesota’s radar. Indeed, the Vikings still have all kinds of options for free agents.
Before getting to these options, let’s lay down a few details that will help us on our journey. For remaining players, I’m relying on the Top 100 list from PFF. I’m also leaning on financial details from Over the Cap. My best estimate – given the current cap space, Chandon Sullivan signing, and Adam Thielen re-structure – is that the Vikings have a little more than $15 million in room.
With that said, the options.
Option #1: J.C. Tretter
Look, I get that all kinds of folks have already covered this topic (including yours truly). Nevertheless, the veteran center remains a strong option.
The most notable Vikings additions have all come with a modest 2022 cap hit. None of Jordan Hicks, Harrison Phillips, or Za’Darius Smith exceed $4 million for this year’s budget. That shrewdness will allow the team to make another notable signing or two.
Tretter would instantly become the strongest center the team has had in a long time. Garrett Bradbury is a bust, so Minnesota ought to look for a team willing to part with a 6th or 7th to bring in the athletic, former first-round pick. Replacing Bradbury with Tretter would mean Minnesota’s offensive line takes a massive step forward.
He’d be yet another former Packer to sign in Minnesota.
Option #2: Justin Houston
I understand that Za’Darius is an edge rusher. I also understand that he’s coming off a serious injury. Danielle Hunter, moreover, is coming off two-straight years of serious injury.
At 33, Houston isn’t the player he used to be, and that’s just fine. Minnesota would be bringing him aboard to be a rotational player, someone who can specialize in being disruptive on third downs. He has experience in a 3-4 scheme and is still playing well.
Take a peak at how PFF describes his play: “Houston fits into the cluster of edge defenders in this free-agent class who can still provide value to a defense but are best utilized situationally at this stage of their career.” Last year, he finished as their 19th-best edge rusher.
Of all the free agents, Houston ought to be among the most intriguing to the Vikings. The vet can still get it done.
Option #3: Trai Turner
The concerns are many with Trai Turner. He’s a touch older, and he had battled injuries at various points in his career. In 2020, his PFF score was a dismal 34.8. That’s Dru Samia/Dakota Dozier territory.
Nevertheless, there is some upside. The 6’3, 315 pound guard ran a 4.9 forty heading into the draft, suggesting he has some athleticism. At times, he has been an excellent player. Moreover, he is a right guard, currently the most concerning part of Minnesota’s o-line.
Might the Vikings look to the free agents for some right guard help?
If so, Turner is someone to consider: “Trai Turner has elite tape on his NFL resume, but it came in the first couple of seasons of his career before his performances fell away. This past year in Pittsburgh, he had a relative bounceback season, but it was hugely helped by Ben Roethlisberger’s league-fastest average time to throw. Turner showed he can still start, but how good he will be remains a question.”
Last year, he finished as PFF‘s 15th-best pass blocker. The Pittsburgh offense may have gotten the ball out quick, but they didn’t have the talent Minnesota has. Perhaps the veteran could provide strong play for another year or two.
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