Minnesota Vikings Off-Season Needs: Offensive Line
Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle
Matt Kalil(75) blocks against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
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I expect that the Vikings offensive line in 2015 will look very similar to how it was in 2014, personnel-wise. John Sullivan is locked in at center. According to Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, both Brandon Fusco and Phil Loadholt are on schedule in their rehabilitations from torn pectoral muscles. Barring any setbacks, they will be filling their usual right guard and right tackle roles, respectively. Left guard is a question mark. The team cut former starter Charlie Johnson loose. David Yankey is an in-house possible replacement if he develops fast enough going into his second season.
Then there is Matt Kalil. Kalil struggled mightily through much of the season but played well down the stretch. I see no way he is not starting at left tackle once again in 2015 unless he gets injured. The big question is whether or not the Vikings will pick up his expensive one year option for the 2016 season. The team has until May 3rd of this year to exercise or decline his option. If they decline, Kalil becomes a free agent after the 2015 season. Left tackle is a difficult position to fill but Kalil’s up and down play has made for a very interesting decision coming up.
Next: Free Agency