The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings: Five potential free agent safety targets

By Dan Zinski

Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) returns an interception as Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) chases during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) returns an interception as Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) chases during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Reggie Nelson (20) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Reggie Nelson (20) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Reggie Nelson

The Cincinnati Bengals may not be able to afford to keep their whole talented secondary together, and that may allow Reggie Nelson to sneak out of Ohio and back into Mike Zimmer’s hands. Like George Iloka, Nelson was schooled in Zimmer’s system for several years and should be very comfortable with Zim’s way of doing things.

Nelson may be a bit older at 32 but he clearly has a lot of good ball ahead of him. Nelson had his best statistical year in 2015, picking off eight passes and making second-team All-Pro.

A Reggie Nelson-Harrison Smith tandem would be very intriguing for sure. Nelson is certain to come with a healthy price tag however, coming off a Pro Bowl season.

Nelson may be getting older but he is durable, having missed just three games over the last five years. If it comes down to moving Terence Newman to safety or signing Nelson, I would prefer to sign Nelson. Newman could then be brought back as a veteran backup.

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