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Minnesota Vikings: 2016 NFL free agency deals on day 1

By Adam Carlson

Nov 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) reaches for extra yardage as he is tackled by Tennessee Titans free safety Michael Griffin (33) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Panthers won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) reaches for extra yardage as he is tackled by Tennessee Titans free safety Michael Griffin (33) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Panthers won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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What moves did the Minnesota Vikings make during the first day of NFL free agency and how does each transaction help make the team make a better contender?

The NFL’s 2016 NFL season kicked off on Wednesday, March 9th at 3 pm central time with a bang. Multiple trades and transactions had been agreed upon around the league, but none of it could become official until today.

The Minnesota Vikings made a couple splashes in free agency, with some of the pickups bigger than others, but in total 4 new faces joining the squad.

Related Story: Minnesota Vikings release WR Mike Wallace

Here are the transactions that the Minnesota Vikings made during the first day of free agency and the contract details currently available on each one:

ADDITIONS:

  • Alex Boone, guard – After not getting a new deal from the 49ers, the nasty blocker was going to be a big signing for someone. With uncertainty on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line, Boone’s versatility should make him a great asset in protecting Teddy Bridgewater and making holes for Adrian Peterson. (contract: 4 years, $26.8 million, $10 million guaranteed)
  • Michael Griffen, safety – This signing is a bit of a head-scratcher. Griffen hasn’t been a solid safety in several years and his contract is better than his play is worth. Still, he should be penciled in as starter opposite Harrison Smith unless a better option presents itself. There is also hope that he can bounce back under head coach Mike Zimmer like cornerback Terence Newman did last year. (contract: 1 year, $3 million)

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    Emmanuel Lamur, linebacker

    – As a former member of the Bengals, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is very familiar with the former Cincinnati starter. His connection to Zimmer alone makes him an interesting pickup for the team.

    (contract: 2 years, $6 million with $2.5 million guaranteed)

  • Travis Lewis, linebacker – Admittedly, there isn’t much known about Lewis other than his play on special teams with the Detroit Lions since being a seventh round draft pick. Still, this provides insurance if some of the other Vikings free agents sign with another team, as special teams are an area the Vikings like to have a lot of talent. (contract details currently unknown)

    • VIKINGS SIGNED BY ANOTHER TEAM:

    • -none-

    RETAINED:

    • Mike Harris, guard – After signing Boone, Harris returned to the Vikings anyway to compete with several other talented players for a starting job. He was a solid starting right guard during the 2015 NFL season and can play guard or tackle. He provides depth and experience on the Minnesota offensive line. (contract: 1 year, $3 million)

    Next: 5 moves the Vikings should have made in free agency

    Stay tuned to The Viking Age for more information of the moves the Minnesota Vikings make in free agency as well as updates on the players who have signed and how they will fit in with the team.

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