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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Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) reacts to fans after the Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins 30-14 at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) reacts to fans after the Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins 30-14 at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Eric Weddle

It ended badly for Eric Weddle after a long, very successful run in San Diego. Weddle will now hit the market and will likely command a big salary given his reputation both as an elite safety and a great team leader.

Weddle is getting older at 31 and he had injury issues in 2015, but his long record of durability (he missed zero games from 2010-2014) suggests that he should be able to rebound from last year’s physical struggles.

Weddle has said that he wants to go to a winning organization. Coming off a playoff season in 2015 and with the highly-respected Mike Zimmer in place, the Vikings surely would be an attractive destination for Weddle or any defensive free agent seeking a chance to improve his own game while enjoying team success.

Price tag is the big issue with Weddle. Every team with a need at safety and some cap space is going to call this guy. Are the Vikings ready to ease their self-imposed restriction on throwing big money at older free agents and make a serious run at Weddle?

The Vikings know their Super Bowl window is now open, so now might be the time for Rick Spielman to somewhat put aside his conservative “build through the draft” philosophy and shell out some dough for an immediate upgrade at a position that has been problematic the past two years.

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