Dec 12, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team guard Brandon Scherff (75) walks off the field after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past few years, there are few position groups that have struggled as much as the Minnesota Vikings offensive line. Especially at the guard position, the team has struggled to find talent that can consistently keep Kirk Cousins’ pocket clean. We are still weeks away from the start of free agency, but early reports are saying that Washington Commanders RG Brandon Scherff is unlikely to reach a new deal to remain in D.C.
As for the Vikings, this is probably the most solidified the offensive line has been in a while. The two tackle positions have young stars in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Ezra Cleveland also made big strides at the LG position in 2021, offering much more confidence for that position moving forward. That’s 3/5 spots that you are set in stone as long as there aren’t injuries. Not too bad, but the RG and C spots are yet to find long-term solutions. Initially, the RG position was supposed to be filled by Wyatt Davis, but that never really stuck. Even training camp sensation Oli Udoh died off rather quickly.
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Recently, Wyatt Davis has discussed his disappointing rookie season, and it seems that he is looking forward to getting off on a better foot with the new coaching regime. We may see a rejuvenated Davis going into the 2022 season. If Minnesota wants to ensure they get quality play at the position though, Scherff would be a terrific option.
The biggest question mark with Scherff is just how much the 30-year-old would cost. He has been franchise tagged for each of the past two seasons and likely wants a contract with more security. When he’s been on the field, Scherff has been an excellent player for Washington. Throughout his NFL career, Scherff has never recorded a PFF grade below 72. Being on the field has been a bit of an issue, though. He has played 13 games just once in the last four seasons.
Scherff has been on record calling his injury history “unlucky”. When taking a look at it, that’s really what it has come down to. He tore a pec in 2018, which is the start of this bad luck. He also blamed his shoulder injury in 2019 as a result of bad technique, and he vowed to take care of his body better after that injury. It resulted in an All-Pro season during 2020, but he still has not managed to play full seasons in either 2020 or 2021.
The injuries likely diminish a bit of Brandon Scherff’s free agency market value, especially for a cap-strapped team like the Minnesota Vikings. As of now, Spotrac has given him a market value of $12.9 million. This would make him the fifth-highest paid guard in the NFL. Probably a price out of Minnesota’s range. That said, the Vikings have some flexibility in creating cap space. If they can cut that contract down to $10 million, it still makes Scherff the ninth-highest paid guard. It also saves Minnesota up to $3 million in valuable cap space.
Overall, it sounds like Wyatt Davis is much more motivated to right the wrongs of the 2021 season. That said, if the Minnesota Vikings decide they want to get aggressive, Scherff is a proven option that can plug-and-play the RG spot immediately while also helping mold the young o-line.