If Matt Kalil is healthy, the Minnesota Vikings should bring him back for 2017

Matt Kalil has been the starting left tackle of the Minnesota Vikings for 5 seasons, and if he is healthy, the team should bring him back for 2017.

Last season, things were not good for the Minnesota Vikings offensive line. Several injuries to offensive tackles left the line in shambles and the team scrambling for healthy options to hold down the positions.

Now that 2017 is approaching, the Vikings have some options. They can bring back some of the player who struggled to stay on the field, or they can attempt to sign some new faces to take over at right and left tackle.

According to a recent post on the Pioneer Press website, Matt Kalil‘s father Frank says that his son is fully healthy and is ready for action once again, which could make the Vikings decision on him complicated.

"“He’s 100 percent healthy now,’’ Frank Kalil said. “He’s really doing well. He looks great. He’s ready to rock and roll. He’s back up to his game weight. He’s lifting weights. He’s doing all the right things.’’"

There are some options for Minnesota going forward, but bringing back a healthy Kalil to compete for a starting job would be smart for the Vikings. Not only does he have familiarity, but if he doesn’t get met with big offers in free agency, a return could be mutually beneficial for both the player and the team.

Kalil has dealt with several injuries since joining the Vikings, including a number of knee and back issues. That history could scare some teams away, but Minnesota fans saw the huge drop-off in play when Kalil was lost for the 2017 season and players like Jake Long and T.J. Clemmings were forced into the lineup.

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Of course, the major factor in bringing back Matt Kalil will be cost and level of mutual interest. However. with so many needs at offensive tackle, bringing back one familiar face and adding depth could be essential if the Minnesota Vikings want to have a successful 2017 season.