In this Adopho-Mensahe
The 2022 NFL draft is over, and off-season activities for smokers have begun. Kevin O’Connell has started coaching his first-round pick Lewis Cine, and the Minnesota Vikings are looking at a chance to bring NFC North back. Although who can still bring them logically?
According to Spotrack, the Vikings have about $ 10 million cap space left for the upcoming season. Admittedly, most top free agents will surpass that number, but a restructuring of Dalvin Cook or Eric Kendricks could help bring in extra talent. Without knowing exactly what a deal would look like, there are some names that could benefit Minnesota and round out the roster.
Jesse Trater (C)
Tretter is not yet the top free agent available. This honor probably goes to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. But he is the best player in an important position of need. Garrett Bradbury has been a huge failure in the middle of the offensive line, and for a group that has undergone a major overhaul this season, it’s still a bright hole in front of the Kirk cousins. The tractor has foot problems, such as his knees and ankles. That said, he still logs over 1,000 snaps last season and has a good rating per pro football focus. Apparently, General Manager Quesi Adofo-Mensah knows him well, so if Minnesota chooses to stay away, it’s a nice suggestion.
Kevin King (CB)
At this stage of the offseason, it’s hard to see Minnesota spruce up in a position that isn’t seriously needed. It takes up most of the defensive line as well as the position of offensive skill. When looking at the free-agent options available, many of them fall into that category. King is an angle that can help strengthen a weak unit for the Vikings. Minnesota has selected Andrew Booth in the draft, but there are injury concerns surrounding the Clemson product. King suffered an injury for the Packers last year, but he probably got a chance to compete against them twice this season.
Anthony Barr (LB)
This will make Mike Zimmer happy, but the Vikings are not fit to move on to a new defensive scheme. He’s still there and has acquaintances with Minnesota, but most of the role has been taken. Kendricks and Jordan Hicks will both start in the middle, with Jaderius Smith and Daniel Hunter at the end. Unfortunately, the bar has not yet found a place to land, but even in the most team-friendly deals, reunions are hard to see here.
Maybe Minnesota would choose to bring in another wide receiver, but it is noteworthy that receiver coach Keenan McCardel requested the front office to pass the position during the draft. Justin Jefferson could be the best in the league, and Adam Thilen still holds a place. KJ Osborn appeared in 2021, and BC Johnson’s depth with Ihmir Smith-Marsette should form a strong group.
Jaylen Twyman is still penciled as a starter, which may be pushing his abilities, but replacing him in the open market is probably done with a big name that comes with nothing but aging and a steep price. In the end, the picks are thin, and the Vikings don’t need to do that right now.
Didn’t a free agent mention that you’re still hoping for air in Minnesota?
