6 Veterans the Vikings Should Target Right Now in Free Agency
It has been a quiet free agency for the Minnesota Vikings, but it isn’t over yet, and there is still time to add players before (and after) this year’s draft. There are still options out there that could make this year’s Vikings free agency look more complete.
A Few Veteran Additions Could Still Help the Vikings
The only new faces currently making their way to Minnesota when training camp comes around are Kyler Murray, James Pierre, Johnny Hekker, and Ryan Van Denmark. A starting-caliber quarterback, a punter, a cornerback, and offensive tackle depth were needed for the Vikings’ roster, but there are still gaps to fill.
Most of the big-ticket names have found new homes, but there are still some good players out there—especially veteran players who will make good short-term solutions.
Ethan Pocic – Center
Once Ryan Kelly’s retirement was confirmed, the Vikings were left in need of a center. Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens both played last season, but neither pushed themselves forward as the answer at the position for the future.
A veteran with plenty of starting experience, Ethan Pocic is available after four seasons in Cleveland. There have been niggling injuries throughout his career, and he might not come cheap, but the Vikings should at least kick the tyres on an option to solve a vital position on the offense.
DeAndre Hopkins – Wide Receiver
When asked about his former teammate and new Vikings QB, DeAndre Hopkins expressed support for Murray and added, “If Kyler needed me, if the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there.” Of course, that got people talking, but do they need Hopkins? Minnesota needs to add to its WR room with the departure of Jalen Nailor, and Hopkins has been one of the best ever to do it.
He will turn 34 before the season starts, and the Vikings were burned by bringing back Adam Thielen last season. However, there is no trade involved, and it gives your new QB a familiar face to work with. It has to be at least worth a conversation.
Deebo Samuel – Wide Receiver
Deebo Samuel is an intriguing offensive weapon that can be used in a variety of ways. A skill set that saw him named first-team All-Pro in 2021. He never hit those heights again in San Francisco over the next three seasons and was traded to Washington last year.
Now he hits free agency after a 727-yard and five-touchdown receiving season. The big question is the cost, and Samuel seemed well out of the Vikings’ price range, but the longer he stays available, the more chance the asking price comes down.
Calais Campbell – Defensive Tackle
Playing on his fourth team in four years, 39-year-old Campbell still impressed with the Arizona Cardinals last season. He turns 40 in September but still earned a 72.2 overall PFF grade, marking his 14th straight campaign with at least that grade.
He is the definition of a short-term option, but with the youthful look of the Vikings’ interior defensive line. One year with Campbell, who still offers pass rush and foundational run play, could be a very savvy move.
DJ Reader – Defensive Tackle
He isn’t the attacking interior pass rusher that teams covet these days, and DJ Reader will turn 32 this summer, but the Vikings’ run defense suffered after releasing starting nose tackle Harrison Phillips last year. Reader can slot into the Vikings’ defense as a legitimate force against the run, which is something the Vikings desperately need in the middle of their defensive line.
The stout interior run defender still has a place in this league, and the Vikings can pick one up from a division rival after Reader spent last season in Detroit.
Xavier Woods – Safety
The Vikings need help at safety, and one option they could turn to is an old friend. Xavier Woods spent one year in Minnesota back in 2021 and had a solid season. He never stayed for the start of Kevin O’Connell’s tenure, but remained a solid DB over three seasons in Carolina and last year in Tennessee.
Now 30 years old, Woods could come in as a solid veteran presence while the Vikings turn to the draft to find their long-term solution.
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