The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 16th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s vibe with the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings
Key acquisitions: DE Za’Darius Smith, LB Jordan Hicks, DT Harrison Phillips, CB Chandon Sullivan, G Chris Reed, G/T Jesse Davis, TE Johnny Mundt, G Austin Schlottmann, DT Jullian Taylor
Re-signed: CB Patrick Peterson, P Jordan Berry, QB Sean Mannion
Departures: S Xavier Woods (Panthers), TE Tyler Conklin (Jets), C Mason Cole (Steelers), DT Michael Pierce (Ravens), LB Nick Vigil (Cardinals), G Dakota Dozier (Bears)
Remaining free agents: LB Anthony Barr, DT Sheldon Richardson, DE Everson Griffen, CB Mackensie Alexander, TE Chris Herndon, OT Rashod Hill, WR Dede Westbrook
Analysis: What may appear to be a quiet offseason for the Vikings featured a lot of big names, but for some reason didn’t grab any headlines. They didn’t make any splashy moves on the first day, but made solid signings all around.
The biggest name is Za’Darius Smith, who initially agreed to a deal with the Ravens after getting cut by the Packers, but backed out of the deal and signed a multi-year deal in Minnesota. This was once a top 5 defense in the NFL full of homegrown talent, but all those contracts expired and now they have been rebuilding through the draft again with a couple key signings, and Smith will be part of the veteran group leading that unit alongside Danielle Hunter and Harrison Smith.
Also joining that group is Jordan Hicks, who takes over as an inside linebacker alongside Eric Kendricks with Nick Vigil gone and Anthony Barr still a free agent. Harrison Phillips, formerly of the Bills, gets a three-year deal to lead the interior defensive line with Sheldon Richardson still a free agent and Michael Pierce released.
The Vikings also brought in former Packers starting cornerback Chandon Sullivan to start alongside Patrick Peterson to lead a very young secondary highlighted by Cameron Dantzler. With Xavier Woods signing with the Panthers, the Vikings need help at safety alongside Harrison Smith, and 2021 rookie Camryn Bynum may be that guy, but there are still plenty of options on the free agent market.
On offense, the Vikings focused on offensive line depth with Jesse Davis, a longtime Dolphins starter; Chris Reed, who has some starting experience with the Jaguars, Panthers, and Colts; and Austin Schlottmann, a backup with the Broncos. They help fill the void from Rashod Hill, Mason Cole, and Dakota Dozier.
Conclusion: The Minnesota Vikings made some solid moves to make up for their losses, and I think they’re better…maybe. I don’t know the Vikings are just middle of the pack but are always hopeful and can be contenders at any moment.
The offense is solid, pretty unchanged besides Tyler Conklin getting signed away by the Jets. The defense had a lot of turnover, but can be really good if their young guys can improve. The Vikings are still a threat and their division and conference has gotten weaker, so maybe this is their year.
Football Nerds 