Veteran Free Agents the Minnesota Vikings Could Still Target
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The draft is over. Offseason programs are getting underway across the league. In less than three months, it'll be time for training camp.
But that doesn't mean the Vikings' roster is completely set. They could still dip back into the free agent market at some point to add veteran depth to their roster. To be clear, that would have to come after the Vikings create some cap space via extensions or trades or releases or restructures, considering they have basically zero room at this moment.
Even if the Vikings do add a free agent, it's unlikely to be a big splash for a player like Leonard Floyd or Marcus Peterson or Dalton Risner or Kareem Hunt. Still, there are some more affordable players out there who could make sense.
Let's go over a few positions where Minnesota could potentially use an additional veteran — and some names that are still out there. To reference the team's current depth chart, take a look at my recent 53-man roster projection.
Defensive line
Beyond Harrison Phillips, this is a group that features serviceable vets like Dean Lowry, Jonathan Bullard, and Khyris Tonga, as well as fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy. But you get the feeling that another experienced, starting-caliber player would be nice to have in the middle of the front.
Some FAs who could make sense:
- Shelby Harris
- Ndamukong Suh
- Michael Brockers
- Chris Wormley
- Christian Covington
- Justin Ellis
Inside linebacker
The Vikings have a couple solid vets in Jordan Hicks and Troy Reeder and a pair of exciting young players in Brian Asamoah and Ivan Pace Jr., an undrafted free agent. Adding another vet at inside linebacker would create even more competition in camp.
Some FAs who could make sense:
- Myles Jack
- Zach Cunningham
- Deion Jones
- Kyle Van Noy
- Jayon Brown
- Kwon Alexander
Cornerback
The Vikings' depth chart is pretty wide open at corner beyond Byron Murphy Jr., the team's marquee free agent signing in March. There are second-year players Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, who have injury concerns. There are also rookies Mekhi Blackmon and Jay Ward, and veteran Joejuan Williams. But the Vikings are always looking for more competition here, as evidenced by them claiming John Reid off waivers on Thursday.
Some FAs who could make sense:
- William Jackson III
- Shaquill Griffin
- Casey Hayward
- Troy Hill
- Kyle Fuller
- Bryce Callahan
It seems less likely that the Vikings would go after a free agent on offense, though wide receiver, guard, and running back could theoretically be in play.
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