Minnesota Vikings: Free Agents the Vikings Should Target
As the offseason has already started for the Minnesota Vikings, let us look ahead to the free agency period.
The Minnesota Vikings were a team decimated by the injury bug this past season. With players dropping like flies on a weekly basis, a team that had early Super Bowl hopes was fighting for a playoff berth by the end.
With no first round pick, the Vikings will have to look to free agency to plug holes on their roster. Here is a list of players that the Vikings should target in March.
Right Tackle Ricky Wagner
With the Vikings two 2016 starting tackles coming off the books this offseason, and the talent pool shallow, the Vikings will look to make an impact signing along the offensive line, if not two.
The most likely scenario is that the Vikings resign Matt Kalil, so they do not roll into the free agency period with no starting caliber left tackle on their roster. Sources say that the Ravens are going to let Wagner test the free agent market. They most likely will not want to pay him, just like they did not want to pay Kemechi Osemele last offseason.
Wagner was a top 10 right tackle the last two seasons according to PFF’s ranking system, and he was the top overall right tackle in 2014. At 27 years of age, Wagner could be a long term fit with this team that could come at an affordable price.
Alternatives: Sebastian Vollmer
Right Guard TJ Lang
Coming across the border to a division rival is something that is familiar in the NFC North. TJ Lang has been a great piece at the guard spot for the Packers for years now. He could another hole and help transform one of the worst lines in football last season.
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Lang being just 29, has some good years left in him. He is a beast in the running game, which is something that was non existent for the Vikings in 2015.
Alternatives: Ronald Leary, Kevin Zeitler
Safety Tony Jefferson
Tony Jefferson had an exceptional year with the Cardinals in 2016. He would be a perfect fit across from Harrison Smith in the Vikings third level.
Jefferson was the fifth ranked safety in 2016 according to PFF’s ranking system. That was higher than Harrison Smith ranked last season.
Alternatives: Barry Church
Running Back Latavius Murray
Latavius Murray has come around to be a good all around back in Oakland throughout the last two seasons. He racked up over 1000 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns in 2015, even though he shared touches with a committee of backs.
Murray is the perfect type of back for a Pat Shurmur style offense. He is a decent blocker, but can catch balls in the screen game very well.
Alternatives: LeGarrette Blount, Deangelo Williams
Defensive Tackle Calais Campbell
With the Cardinals having to make a decision between either Campbell or newly aquired Chandler Jones, who is younger and has more upside, this will put them in a tough position.
The odd man out seems to be Campbell. Campbell has been a great player for years now with a knack of getting to the quarterback. Just hitting the age of 30, the Vikings could try to get a reasonable contract, while not overpaying for a productive player.
Alternatives: Jason Pierre Paul
Next: Bleacher Reports 7 Round Vikings Mock
The Vikings will have their hands full this offseason as they try to patch the small amount of holes they have to get this team on the right track towards a Super Bowl. The offensive line should be the main focus, but there are a couple other areas that could use upgrades.