Free agency rumor: Minnesota Vikings interested in right tackle Rick Wagner
By Brad Omland
The latest free agency rumors link the Minnesota Vikings to having interest in Baltimore Ravens right tackle Rick Wagner, a 2013 fifth-round draft pick.
There’s no question that the Minnesota Vikings need help on the offensive line this offseason. Immediate assistant will come after March 9 through free agency, and the Vikings will have to look high and low for help as seemingly every position is open for competition.
The latest rumors link Minnesota to Baltimore Ravens right tackle Rick Wagner. Entering his fifth season, Wagner could hit free agency due to the Ravens lack of cap space this offseason. With the Vikings obvious need on the offensive line, the 2013 fifth-round pick could command a price tag of up to $10 million.
Right now, my top-three FAs for the #Vikings:
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 1, 2017
1. Andrew Whitworth
2. Rick Wagner
3. Nick Fairley
Born near Milwaukee, Wagner played in college with the Wisconsin Badgers where he helped the team to three Big Ten Championships. In his time in Baltimore, he has started all but three games since the 2014 season. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 18th best tackle in the league last season.
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In 2016, the Vikings offensive line was ranked as the fourth-worst in the NFL. The team recently released guard Brandon Fusco and tackle Mike Harris. Fusco was cut due to a self-admitted “up and down season” while Harris did not play due to an undisclosed illness.
Following the release of Harris, the Vikings have just four tackles on the active roster including Willie Beavers, T.J. Clemmings, Rashod Hill, and Jeremiah Sirles. Meanwhile, tackles Matt Kalil, Jake Long, and Andre Smith remain on the reserve/injured list, and each could become unrestricted free agents this offseason.
The offensive line debacle will provide an unforeseen test for Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. Before the 2016 season, the group was said to be ripe with competition, but after a string of decimating injuries is left with uncertainty.
Next: Vikings release Fusco and Harris
Free agency rumors add intrigue to the unknown, the latter is all that is certain for the Minnesota Vikings headed into the 2017 season.
Brad Omland is a contributor to FanSided’s The Viking Age. Follow him on Twitter: @bradradio.