Vikings Territory: Who's Next On The Free Agent List For Vikings?

Press release from Vikings Territory:

July 25, 2021

The Minnesota Vikings reportedly fixed a longstanding roster deficiency on Saturday, agreeing to terms with free-agent WR Dede Westbrook.

July 24, 2021

Not since Jarius Wright, who left the team after the memorable 2017 season, have the Vikings employed a sure-fire WR3 that produces at a consistent level. With the Westbrook addition and a clean bill of health, that should change in 2021.

So, if the Vikings decide not to immediately lengthen the contracts of Harrison Smith and Brian O’Neill — two men theorized at the top of the priority list for extensions — who’s next for free-agent signings?

The EDGE rusher spot opposite Danielle Hunter remains the singular question mark on general manager Rick Spielman’s revamped roster (well, maybe kicker, too, but Vikings fans are accustomed to that).

Houston is a 32-year-old, battle-tested sack machine, accruing 97.5 sacks in 134 career games. He most recently played for the Indianapolis Colts, a team that utilizes a 4-3 defensive scheme as do the Vikings. His lack of attention in free agency is puzzling, leaving the ex-Kansas City Chief available for the taking by any NFL team.

So could Everson Griffen. He needs very little commentary because the USC alumnus spent a decade in Minnesota. He’s even the franchise’s seventh-best sack merchant of all-time, tallying 74.5 sacks with the Vikings from 2010 to 2019.

This one is less sexy.

Still, the team could afford to sign one more veteran backup guard or tackle. The sole bane of the Mike Zimmer era is a steady lack of pass protection. In stretches, the Vikings offensive line executes decent protection for Kirk Cousins (or Case Keenum before him), but those occasions are merely glimpses.

But if the Vikings want to fortify OL depth, players like Nick Easton, James Carpenter, Mike Iupati, and J.R. Sweezy are unsigned.

Zane Gonzalez, formerly “the guy” for the Arizona Cardinals, injured his back in late 2020, but he is a free agent right now. He would add instant name recognition to the Vikings special teams, although name recognition didn’t wholly solve the kicking woes during the last adventure with Dan Bailey.

Then, Gonzalez converted 82.4% of fields goals with the Cardinals since the start of 2019, which isn’t otherworldly but also isn’t bad. He’s got a big leg, too. His range is around 55 to 56 yards per career-long field goals.

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory. The views expressed here are the author’s own.