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What Should The Minnesota Vikings Do At Left Tackle This Offseason?

By Adam Carlson

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Minnesota Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil didn’t exactly impress fans or the media during the 2014 NFL season.  In fact, the left tackle position was looked at as a liability for a large portion of the year, with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater having to change things up to get rid of the ball faster due to pressure on numerous occasions.

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) blocks against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the NFL Draft and free agency are approaching, the Minnesota Vikings can address that position if they see it as a huge need.  There are many talented players available for them if they choose to go that route.  However, they could also stand pat and hope that Kalil can continue to bounce back like he appeared to at the end of the year.

Here are the options for the Minnesota Vikings left tackle position this offseason:

Do Nothing

  • The team could continue forward with Matt Kalil as their left tackle and Carter Bykowski as his backup.  While this could be seen as a risky move, this is a pretty good chance that Kalil will be much better during his contract year with the Minnesota Vikings.  If he can return to the form that he had early in his NFL career, this would be the best option.

Get A Free Agent

  • Good free agent offensive linemen are EXPENSIVE.  To find a starting caliber left tackle would be very pricy and would be an investment that they might not have to make if Matt Kalil plays well.  The team could instead go after a mid-level tackle to act as a backup or push Kalil for the starting job.  Competition breeds success, and putting pressure on Kalil could be a good way to go.

Draft A Player

  • There are quite a few good offensive tackles in this draft and the Minnesota Vikings are in good position to get one since they own the #11 overall pick.  However, picking an offensive tackle over a position of greater need or more physically talented player could be a waste.  However, drafting a player that is a tackle/guard hybrid could also help push Charlie Johnson at the left guard position.

What do you guys think that the Minnesota Vikings should do at the left tackle position this offseason?  Should they stand firm, pick up a free agent, or look to the draft? Discuss it in the comments below.

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