8 Free Agents for Vikings to Avoid Next Week
Dustin Baker
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On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings and 31 NFL teams begin roster-building for 2024, with external faces joining new clubs.
Vikings Free Agency: 8 Players to Avoid on the Open Market
The league calls it “legal tampering” — a very weird name for a fun event. So, we asked VikingsTerritory writers one free agent apiece for the Vikings to avoid, and these were their responses.
1. Derrick Henry (RB)
Advice Giver: Janik Eckardt
Henry turned 30 in January, and some team will overpay for his services. That’s how lifetime achievement contracts work in the NFL, particularly in free agency. Minnesota shouldn’t overspend on a running back at age 30.
2. Jameis Winston (QB)
Advice Giver: Dustin Baker
The Vikings should avoid “bridge quarterbacks” altogether, instead either re-upping with Kirk Cousins or letting the rookie passer take his lumps in 2024. Meanwhile, if they absolutely must find a patchover quarterback, Jameis Winston should be avoided. Why? Well, we have Jameis Winston at home. His name is Nick Mullens. Just play him.
3. Tre’Davious White (CB)
Advice Giver: Josh Frey
The former Bills cornerback has been an elite player during his career, including a first-team All-Pro selection in 2019, and the Vikings certainly could use some help at that position. However, injuries have derailed his production in recent years. He’s played just 10 games in the past two seasons combined, and as he inches closer to 30 years old, the Vikings should avoid White.
4. D.J. Reader (DT)
Advice Giver: Kyle Joudry
Hate to be negative, but maybe defensive tackle D.J. Reader. He’s an excellent player, yet he’s a touch older and likely to cost quite a bit. The injury concerns don’t help, either. A DT who is a bit younger and who offers more as a pass rusher would be my preference.
5. Any Bridge QB (w/out High Draft Pick)
Advice Giver: Wes Johnson
Let’s face it: the Kirk Cousins + Vikings song and dance could be facing a crescendo. If Cousins leaves in free agency, it will leave a massive hole to fill. This cannot be answered with a bridge QB and a Day Two QB in the draft. The fans will revolt if this happens,
6. Baker Mayfield (QB)
Advice Giver: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings would need to pay him for the solid season he had with Tampa Bay, and if they’re going to allocate those types of funds, then aiming higher (either with Kirk or going all in on the draft pick) makes more sense.
7. Chase Young (EDGE)
Advice Giver: Cody Spears
When he is not injured, Chase Young has not demonstrated much development as a prospect up to this point. His ceiling is no higher than his floor was when he came out of Ohio State — a power rusher with above-average athleticism and size. His name value will make him twice as expensive as someone of his caliber should be.
t8. Saquon Barkley (RB)
Advice Giver: Cole Smith
It’s not so much about his skill set as it is about his potential salary. The Vikings can look elsewhere in free agency to find starting-caliber running backs for a cheaper deal.
t8. Saquon Barkley (RB)
Advice Giver: Ali Siddiqui
His best days may be behind him, and the Vikings should not spend money on a running back. They have other needs. They should stay with Ty Chandler and draft a tailback.
Former Viking Dropped by Steelers
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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