There will be a few top tier players available at positions
of need for the Vikings this year. However, based on what we’ve heard of Zimmer’s
philosophy and what the Vikings did in the offseason last year, they probably
won’t be breaking the bank on free agents. That means no Demarco Murray or Mike
Iupati. But in my opinion that’s a good thing. We definitely don’t need Demarco
Murray, as McKinnon has shown a lot of promise. We just need a better line.
Iupati would definitely help, as he’s been one of the best run-blockers in the league
over the last few years, but we’d have to use most of our available funds to
sign him. If we trade or release Adrian Peterson, that will give us a bigger
cushion, and if Chad Greenway is moved or retires, we will have more available.
Below is a list of the free agents I would like the Vikings to sign.
Joe Berger, G, Vikings:
Yep, had to start with one of our own. Berger has been an
invaluable back-up for us. While he’s best at the guard position, I think he
can be plugged in at right tackle and center if need be. He wouldn’t be
expensive, so this should be a relatively easy move for the Vikings to make.
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| from: twincities.com |
Tom Johnson, DT, Vikings:
Another one of our own. Johnson played way better that his
contract, a one year trial deal. He came in and played the 3-technique when
Shariff Floyd was out for a bit, and he killed it. Based on his 2014
production, Johnson will most likely want a multi-year deal. While Linval Joseph is
making a decent amount, and Shariff Floyd should get an extension soon, I
would think we could bring Johnson back on a decent 2 or 3 year deal.
Mark Ingram, RB, Saints:
Let the opinions fly, but I would prefer we trade or cut AP.
He is easily the best running back in the league (‘in’ is debatable right now),
but he’s not worth the price he’s going to cost to stay. I like McKinnon as our
starter, but then we need a decent back up that can also play a different role.
Asiata was great on goal line situations, but that was it. Ingram provides good
value in the passing game as well, and is a bit bigger than McKinnon at 215
pounds.
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| from: neworleanssaints.com |
Clint Boling, G, Bengals:
Our line struggled mightily this year, but I’m hoping Kalil
bounces back, and Fusco and Loadolt should have recovered from injuries.
Sullivan has always been an unrecognized stud at center. But Charlie Johnson’s
time as the left guard should be over. David Yankey, our fifth round draft
pick, was supposed to be able to step in there, but he didn’t play at all last
year, leaving us to wonder if the coaches don’t believe he’s ready yet. Boling
has been solid for the Bengals since being drafted in 2011, and he’d continue
being solid for the Vikings.
Brooks Reed, LB, Texans:
This might be a stretch, as the Texans are expected to
resign Reed. A lot of blogs and columns are predicting the Bengals middle
linebacker Rey Mauluga to the Vikings, as he is familiar with Zimmer’s scheme,
but I’d much prefer Reed. He’s younger, and is still a great run-stuffer that
should easily be able to make the switch from a 3-4 linebacker to a 4-3 middle
linebacker.
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| from: houston.cbslocal.com |
No splashy names, sorry. I’d prefer
the Vikings play it safe in free agency. I didn’t list any wide receivers even
though there should be a decent selection available. The Vikings have good
depth at the position, but they don’t have a true number one receiver. They
need someone who Bridgewater can turn to in a pinch that can win consistently against man coverage, and a red-zone threat other than Kyle Rudolph. Hence I’d like the
Vikings to stay away from Torrey Smith and Cecil Shorts. The only two I’d consider
number one material are Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas, and their teams should
be resigning them soon. We’re most likely going to take a receiver with the 11th
pick in the 2015 draft. Whether it’s DeVante Parker or Kevin White, they will
be much better options than anything we’ll find in free agency.
I have Clint Boling on the list,
but I would much prefer the Vikings take Brandon Scherff with the 11th
pick. I doubt that will happen though, as he’ll either be gone or the Vikings
will take a receiver even if he’s available.
There are probably more that should
be on the list, but look for the Vikings to take an active look at linebackers,
offensive lineman, and defensive backs.
