Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) leads teammates out of the tunnel during pre game warm ups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
As of now, the Vikings have the 4th most cap space available entering free agency. Minnesota still has several in-house free agents to sign, but after that, they should still be in a good position to make a run at a high end free agent or two.
Minnesota is currently approximately $23 million under the cap, if we assume that the 2014 salary cap will be aroud $126 million. The only three teams with more cap room at the moment are the Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Here is the total cap value by position for the Vikings:
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) hands the ball off during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback (1): $3,232,213
Running back (4): $17,725,999
Wide receiver (5): $10,456,320
Tight end (4): $7,613,280
Offensive line (6): $18,318,687
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive line (5): $12,441,182
Linebacker (3): $9,370,027
Cornerback (4): $3,650,455
Safety (5): $6,855,788
Specialists (3): $2,410,531
As you can see, the Vikings will need to add several players to reach the number of players at each position that they will be comfortable with. That includes a couple quarterbacks, linebackers, and defensive line players.
After they sign those players, which big name free agent do you think Minnesota should go after? Let us know in the comments!