Minnesota Vikings Off-Season Needs: Linebacker

The Vikings, specifically Mike Zimmer, have gone on record saying they do not expect to spend a lot of money in free agency this off-season. They prefer to build through the draft and let Zimmer do his thing. Still, is there a familiar face out there that Zimmer might want to bring in to help shore up the linebacker positions?

Rey Maualuga may be available on the market this year. While far from a perfect player, he certainly knows Zimmer’s system and would add needed depth at what should be a reasonable price. While formerly starting at strong side linebacker in Cincinnati, he has been a middle linebacker playing on first and second down more recently. He is known as a physical player who would provide a strong presence up the middle of the field for the Vikings.

Last off-season there was much speculation that another former Bengal, Michael Johnson, would end up on the Vikings due to his ties to Zimmer. As it turned out he would up in Tampa Bay, having a disappointing first season with the Buccaneers.

If I had to guess, I think Maualuga stays in Cincy but he is a name to keep an eye on.

Finally, let’s take a look at the draft.

Next: The Draft