Minnesota Vikings 2018 season offseason forecast: Safety
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings have some big decisions heading into the 2018 NFL season, but addressing the safety position doesn’t need to be one of them.
The offseason is an essential time for NFL franchises like the Minnesota Vikings to accumulate the best talent possible in free agency and the draft in order to be a contender for the following season.
The Vikings had a lot of success during the 2017 season at the safety position, where they relied on a pair of veterans to be the final line of defense in the team’s secondary while having some strong performances from backups.
Let’s take a look at the players at safety who are under contract heading into the 2018 NFL season and who the team will need to make a decision on heading into the new year according to Spotrac:
Safeties under contract in 2018
- Jack Tocho (ERFA in 2019)
- Jayron Kearse (UFA in 2020)
- Andrew Sendejo (UFA in 2020)
- Harrison Smith (UFA in 2022)
Linebackers set to become free agents
- Anthony Harris (RFA)
The combination of Smith and Sendejo proved to be a stingy and dynamic pair who are likely to return as the team’s starters. Harris has a high likelihood to return to the team for depth while Tocho will probably be another option for competition or the practice squad.
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Offseason options
- Make a decision on Harris. As a restricted free agent, the Vikings will need to decide if they want to bring Harris back or not. They should since he played well when Sendejo missed time due to suspension or concussion in the past.
- Add players for competition. Minnesota will want to add bodies for training camp so they can get plenty of competition and possibly find a diamond in the rough to add to the position group.
What the plan should be
The Vikings shouldn’t do anything when it comes to the two starting safeties. Smith and Sendejo play well off each other and have provided stability in the secondary of a team with a stellar defensive unit. Kearse and Harris are capable and encouraging backups and special teams contributors.
However, they will want to add at least one body to the mix. This will likely be a mid to late round draft pick or lower profile free agent who has shown some potential and head coach Mike Zimmer feels he can develop.
Next: 2018 offseason forecast for cornerbacks
What do you think the Minnesota Vikings should do during the offseason to improve their situation at safety as they head into the 2018 season? And should the position be more of a priority to address than most think? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.