According to a recent report, the Minnesota Vikings have decided keep offensive tackle Jeremiah Sirles with the team for the 2017 NFL season.
The Minnesota Vikings had a struggling season on the offensive line during 2016. Injuries and ineffectiveness plagued the pass and run blockers, making it difficult for the team’s offense to execute.
One of those players who was thrust into action to fill holes was offensive tackle Jeremiah Sirles. He filled in at both right and left tackle last year, with a better result when playing on the right side of the line.
Recently, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported on Twitter that the team will likely retain Sirles for the 2017 season. Here is his tweet:
Source says #Vikings will retain exclusive rights FA tackle Jeremiah Sirles. He said he'll sign tender of $690,000 when soon presented.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 3, 2017
Of course, this news has not yet been confirmed by the Minnesota Vikings, so this should be taken as a report and not a confirmation that Sirles will officially be returning. However, Tomasson has a solid track record of accuracy in the past, making this report reputable.
For the Vikings, would be a solid signing. With other offensive tackles from 2016 such as Matt Kalil, Andre Smith, and Jake Long possibly not returning to the team, bringing back Sirles would be a great start at working on the offensive line at a very small cost to the salary cap.
Sirles was an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, meaning that Minnesota has the top priority to retain the player. At that point. he could accept or refuse the team’s offer. Thankfully, it appears as though the team’s offer will be accepted by the offensive lineman.
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The Minnesota Vikings will still need to do a lot of work on the offensive line in free agency. Whether the team ends up bringing back some familiar faces or getting new talent in the draft or free agency, bringing back Jeremiah Sirles is a good start.