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Minnesota Vikings: Tough offensive tackle decisions looming

By Adam Carlson

Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) pass rushes around Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) pass rushes around Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings will have a couple of tough decisions to make when it comes to offensive tackles Phil Loadholt and Matt Kalil during the offseason.

It is no secret that the Minnesota Vikings will be seeking some help in the draft or free agency for the offensive line. Following a year that found the team’s offense sputtering and linemen plagued by injuries, the team will need to bring in some bodies for those spots. However, there may be two big names that are possibly leaving the team as well.

The biggest question mark on the team right now is left tackle Matt Kalil. With an $11.1 million price tag hanging on his head for the 2016 season, the team will have to either work out a deal to keep him by March 9, 2016 at a reasonable price or release the former first round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

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But he’s not the only high former draft pick whose future is uncertain. Former second round draft pick in 2009, Phil Loadholt, also has a big red flag heading into next year. An injury to his Achilles tendon left him sidelined for the of the 2015, and rebounding from an injury as devastating as that can be difficult for a right tackle.

The Minnesota Vikings aren’t willing to make any rash decisions though. General manager Rick Spielman wants to give both Phil Loadholt and center John Sullivan opportunities to return to action, although the team will also want to be prepared for the future.

"“We’ll have to wait and see until the doctors fully clear them,” Spielman said in an article on Scout.com. “I know they’re working extremely hard to get back as quick as they can. But a date or time, I do not know that.”"

Meanwhile, the team will continue to search for players who they believe can contribute to the team and help the Minnesota Vikings win games. As in the past, Spielman loves guys who can help out at multiple spots.

"“The more position flexibility they have, the more valuable a guy is,” Spielman said."

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Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to find players who can help. Between free agency, trades, and the NFL Draft, the options are nearly limitless. However, it will be interesting to see what happens with these former bookends on the offensive line as the Minnesota Vikings continue to build for the future.

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