Phil Loadholt coming back to Vikings but not Matt Kalil?

Phil Loadholt looks like he will be returning to the Vikings on a re-structured deal but Matt Kalil could be gone (at least that’s the rumor).

This is the latest rumor concerning the Vikings’ offensive tackle situation and it’s a bit of a doozy. KSTP Vikings insider Darren Wolfson is hearing that the Vikes and Phil Loadholt will soon begin working out a new deal to lower his cap number. As for Matt Kalil?

Um, that situation is problematic as they say.

I think everyone assumed that the Vikings weren’t interested in paying their two starting tackles a combined total of $19 million for 2016.

The scenario most people anticipated I think is that Loadholt would be cut and Kalil would be signed to a new long-term deal that would significantly lower his cap number for 2016. But the scenario suggested by Wolfson’s report has the Vikings re-negotiating with Loadholt and possibly cutting Kalil outright.

This by the way is exactly the information you want to put out there if Kalil and his agent are playing hardball.

But suppose the Vikings do re-negotiate with Loadholt and cut Kalil. Who then plays left tackle?

Do you draft a tackle and plug him in? A rookie protecting Teddy Bridgewater‘s blindside?

Do you take Loadholt and flip him to the left side? Or do you flip T.J. Clemmings to the left side, remembering that some people thought before last year’s draft that Clemmings could play left tackle in the NFL eventually.

Next: Should Vikings target Derrick Henry?

My money is on the Vikings working out something with Kalil that keeps him around for a few more years. He’s not great but he’s safe.

As for Loadholt? Maybe he’s back, maybe he isn’t. The durability factor has to be taken into account with Phil after his two straight injury-shortened seasons. You also have the insurance of T.J. Clemmings with one year of experience under his belt.

Stay tuned on this one.