NFL Free Agency 2015: Vikings Interested in Boling, Hill

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Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Clint Boling (65) blocks versus the Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

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In my post over the weekend on the Minnesota Vikings options for the offensive line, I wrote this:

"“(Mike) Iupati is not the only name to watch. Orlando Franklin is a converted guard who previously played tackle. It does not sound like he will be in John Elway’s plans moving forward. Clint Boling is only 25 years old and figures to receive a lot of attention if the Cincinnati Bengals do not bring him back.”"

The Vikings contacted Iupati but he is joining the Arizona Cardinals. Franklin meanwhile is reportedly joining the Chargers. With Boling though, there apparently is mutual interest. Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk had this to say:

"According to Boling’s trainer, there’s mutual interest.“He has a lot of interest in the Vikings,” Ryan Goldin, who trains Boling in Atlanta during the offseason, said. “I know he likes the Vikings organization. It’s going to be an interesting 24 hours.”"

Hey, every blind squirrel finds a nut every now and again. This all started from a report by the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson saying the Vikings are attempting to sign Boling. This is a move that makes sense to me. Boling is young and coming off of his rookie contract. The guess is that his contract will not be as large as Iupati’s. The conventional wisdom in the NFL is that it is better to sign a player’s first free agent contract when he is ostensibly entering his prime than his second when the end may be near. Boling fits that description.

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Meanwhile, the Vikings and Shaun Hill have been discussing a reunion. Ben Goessling of ESPN reports the Vikings made him an offer last night. Hill was drafted by the Vikings in 2005. Again, the fit makes sense to me. Teddy Bridgewater is unquestionably the starting quarterback for the Vikings but Hill is still capable of playing if necessary. He also played in a Norv Turner offense in 2006 as Goessling stated in his post.

Now that free agency is “officially” open the changes and updates are sure to be coming fast and furious. As soon as we know more we will get it posted so be sure to keep checking back for updates.

Skol Vikings.

Next: Vikings Off-Season Needs: OL