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Five remaining free-agent fits for the Minnesota Vikings in 2017

By Adam Carlson

Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman (left) speaks with NFL commissioner Roger Godell before the game with the Green Bay Packers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman (left) speaks with NFL commissioner Roger Godell before the game with the Green Bay Packers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here are five players who are still unrestricted free agents that could help the Minnesota Vikings win games during the 2017 NFL season.

By now, the initial rush of free agents have signed with new teams. Most of the lucrative deals are done and now there are players looking for a new opportunity with a new team who may be willing to take a ‘prove it’ style deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

That means that Minnesota could be able to land a decent player at a great price, add some depth or competition, or even take a chance on a young player to develop and grow into a bigger role in the future.

Here are five players who would be good fits for the Minnesota Vikings who are still available as unrestricted free agents along with their scores from Pro Football Focus:

  • Zach Brown, MLB – The nice thing about having Eric Kendricks as a linebacker is that you can start him anywhere in the grouping. That means bringing in a middle linebacker like former Bills tackler Zach Brown wouldn’t disrupt things. He’s not going to be a star, but he can hold his own. 2016 PFF grade: 84.1.
  • Lardarius Webb, S – Minnesota had done a decent job filling in the safety spot next to Harrison Smith, but could use a fresh face in the mix. Webb can close gaps quickly, and although he didn’t get a lot of interceptions with the Ravens, he’s solid in coverage. 2016 PFF grade: 84.0.

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    Austin Pasztor, G – While the interior of the line might look good with Boone, Easton, and Berger, adding some more depth could be beneficial. Pasztor played at a high level for the Browns last year, taking 1020 snaps at only 26 years old. He’s also familiar with the Vikings, as he was signed by Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in 2012. 2016 PFF grade: 77.3.

  • Johnathan Hankins, DT – The status of Sharrif Floyd has many people concerned about his future and the defensive tackle spot is one that should be addressed. Hankins was part of a strong duo for the Giants who proved very capable in stopping the run, but how much of that was due to the other half of the pair? 2016 PFF grade: 47.1.
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB – The Vikings will need to get one more quarterback on their roster if Teddy Bridgewater sits out the 2017 season. Fitzpatrick is a borderline starter in the NFL, but would be better suited to backing up Sam Bradford after struggling mightily in 2016. The only question is whether or not he’d accept that role. 2016 PFF grade: 42.1.

    • Next: Will the Vikings add another QB for 2017?

    What do you think of this list? And which players who are still unrestricted free agents would you like to see the Minnesota Vikings take a chance on? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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