The Viking Age
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Vikings free agency 2017: What defensive ends are available?

By Adam Patrick

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) motions against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) motions against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Charles Johnson

  • 30-years-old
  • 6-foot-2, 270 pounds

2016 stats (in 13 games with the Carolina Panthers):

  • 26 total tackes, 4 sacks
  • 2 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles

With a total 10 seasons spent in the NFL, Johnson is definitely not the player he used to be. After compiling a total of 52.5 sacks from 2010 to 2014, the defensive end has only sacked the opposing quarterback five times in the past two seasons.

But the pass rushing veteran could possibly provide the Vikings with some rotational depth along their defensive line in 2017. Johnson has also been one of the better defensive ends at stopping the run during his time in the league, something that Minnesota needs to improve heading into next season (ranked 20th in 2016).

The defensive end could likely be brought in at a fairly low price and his experience in the league alone is something that no roster in the NFL can never have enough of.

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