Former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff plans to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.
The addition of Riley Reiff is the first new face the Minnesota Vikings have added to the roster since free agency has officially started. The offensive line was their weakest position last season by a long shot. With that in mind, it is no surprise that the Vikings elected to bring in an offensive lineman first.
Riley Reiff comes to Minnesota from Detroit where he started a total of 69 games in 5 seasons. He was drafted 23rd overall in the 2012 NFL Draft to protect quarterback Matt Stafford’s blind side. The same year where former Vikings tackle Matt Kalil was drafted 4th overall.
Kalil started a total of 66 games in 5 seasons for the Vikings. Fans grew frustrated with Kalil’s performance in Minnesota and missing most of the 2016 season did not help his cause. The Vikings decided to replace Matt Kalil today after he left for the Carolina Panthers to play with his brother Ryan Kalil.
Here is Adam Schefter reporting that Riley Reiff plans to sign with the Vikings on his official Twitter account.
Former Lions OT Riley Reiff plans to sign with Vikings , per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
This is a position that the Vikings need Reiff to come in and impact immediately. Last year with Kalil injured, Vikings fans witnessed the worst tackle performance in recent history by TJ Clemmings. Riley Reiff will certainly be an upgrade over Clemmings. Reiff can also play right tackle if the Vikings decide that is a better fit for the team.
Is Riley Reiff better than Matt Kalil?
Only time will tell if he will be an upgrade over Kalil. They have had very similar player profiles to date. Both players were drafted the same year and they have started about the same number of games in the NFL. Kalil has been to a Pro Bowl in his career while Reiff is still searching for his first appearance.
Next: Matt Kalil not expected to resign with the Vikings
At the end of the day the Vikings had to sign a solid tackle. Reiff may not have been everyone’s favorite option, but he was one of the best available. This signing will ensure that TJ Clemmings will not start at left tackle after his nightmare season. Look for the Vikings to continue to add players to the offensive line during free agency and during the 2017 NFL draft.