The Viking Age
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Ranking the Minnesota Vikings’ best additions of the 2017 offseason

By Adam Patrick

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff (71) prepares to block Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff (71) prepares to block Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Riley Reiff, OT

Like the backup quarterback, adding an offensive lineman during the offseason may not be the most exciting, but it was one of the most necessary moves made by Minnesota this year.

The Vikings signed a pair of free-agent offensive tackles in March (Mike Remmers being the other), but Reiff’s presence on the line should be felt the most amongst the two. Especially since he is expected to be Minnesota’s left tackle and protect Sam Bradford’s blindside.

Of all the free-agents the Vikings signed this offseason, Reiff was awarded the most lucrative contract (five years, $58.75 million). But with Matt Kalil taking his talents to Carolina, Minnesota had to find someone new to be their left tackle for 2017 because another season of T.J. Clemmings valeting players to his quarterback was not going to work.

Reiff spent last year playing right tackle for the Detroit Lions, but he is expected to move back to his natural position on the left end of the line for the Vikings where he will be able to put his strength in run-blocking to use. He will at least be an upgrade over the imitation-blocking Minnesota has had on the left side of the offensive line for the last few seasons.

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