The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings free agency: Five moves they should make

By Dan Zinski

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Matt Kalil (75) walks off the field with an injury during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Matt Kalil (75) walks off the field with an injury during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cut Matt Kalil if he won’t re-do his deal

The Vikings can’t seriously consider paying Matt Kalil $11.1 million for 2016, so that means Kalil will have to negotiate a new contract if he wants to return.

Despite Kalil’s struggles last season, I’m fine with Minnesota bringing him back on a reasonable contract and continuing to start him at left tackle. While he’s far from a Pro Bowl-level player, he is a legitimate starter and it’s not like there are a lot of better options just waiting out there anyway.

All that being said, if Kalil plays hardball on the contract thing, then I think the Vikings should absolutely cut him and let him enter free agency. If Matt Kalil thinks he can get a better deal on the market than whatever the Vikings are willing to offer him? Then good luck to him.

Of course if you do cut Kalil then you are left without a starting left tackle for 2016. What’s the backup plan if Kalil isn’t the starter? Do you flip T.J. Clemmings from right tackle to left and put Phil Loadholt back at right tackle? Do you draft a left tackle? Do you sign someone in free agency?

All I know is that it doesn’t make sense to pay Matt Kalil $11 million for one season.

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