Who Will Be the Vikings No. 1 Free Agent Target?
The Minnesota Vikings surprised many this season by going 13-4 and winning the NFC North in year one under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
They did not end the season well, though, as they lost to the New York Giants at home in round 1. The team was not going to compete for a Super Bowl, but at the bare minimum, it looked like they could win a playoff game with how things looked most of the season. A playoff win sure would have been nice in O’Connell’s first year. The Vikings also have only won two playoff games since 2009.
Who Will Be the Vikings No. 1 Free Agent Target?
That is the past, however. How can the Vikings improve going forward, and who will be their no.1 target in free agency?
For starters, they need to clear plenty of cap space first, as they are currently $24 million over the salary cap, according to Over the Cap.
Rob Brzezinski has continued to show he is a cap wizard, definitely one of the best in the business at managing the salary cap — if not the best. He should find a way to clear a decent amount of space. Once he does, who will be the team’s primary target, and how much cash will they have to spend?
It could be a cornerback that will be their biggest target. Patrick Peterson, Chandon Sullivan, and Duke Shelley are all free agents. Cameron Dantzler may end up being a good No. 2 cornerback for years to come. A No. 1, though? Not very likely at the moment. The jury is still out on Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans.
Between Peterson, Sullivan, and Shelley, it is doubtful the Vikings keep all three. Shelley was a nice surprise addition when he got moved onto the active roster in November. Peterson had a good year but will be 33 at the start of the season. He has stated that he would like to return, and maybe they could re-sign him again for cheap, but they could just move on from him altogether. Sullivan played okay, but he won’t be re-signed.
Marcus Peters could be their main target in free agency. At 30, he is no longer the same player, but he would be a nice addition and should not be too expensive. Yes, the Vikings should find ways to clear plenty of cap space, but given they will be starting at $24 million over the cap, they will not be huge spenders.
They can still sign some free agents, yes, but do not expect them to sign a lot or break the bank big time on one. Perhaps they can sign someone for a considerable amount or more free agents than many expect. Brzezinski has pulled off many surprises before.
There is also the draft. Whether the Vikings sign a cornerback or not, there is a very good chance they will take one with their first three picks. They can always bring that rookie along slowly, too.
Minnesota also has other needs on a defense that struggled mightily (31st overall in the league). They could look to sign a linebacker or two also, given that Eric Kendricks took a step back this past season, and they would save $9.5 million if they release him. Jordan Hicks could be released, too, which would save them $5 million. He had an ok season, but it would be a shock if he were back.
Jonathan Jones is also a cornerback who will be 30 years old at the beginning of the season and should not be too expensive. He could be a target as well.
We are less than a month away from free agency. As usual, it should be fascinating. How will Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also do in year two as the general manager?
So far, the offseason is off to a nice start, adding Brian Flores as defensive coordinator. While he is an excellent hire, the Vikings must provide him with better pieces. This unit has some talented players, but if they are going to become top 10-15 defense again, they need to add more talent, no doubt.
The offense should again be good again, but the defense cannot afford to be amongst the worst in the league.
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