Minnesota Vikings’ defensive depth getting an update this offseason

A number of the defensive reserves for the 2017 Minnesota Vikings are expected to land elsewhere this offseason.

Since becoming the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, Mike Zimmer has had to say his goodbyes to some of the players that helped turn the team’s defense into the force that it is today. This current offseason is bringing even more change to the Vikings on the defensive side of the ball.

While 10 of the 11 starters from last season’s defense are expected to be back for 2018, a number of Minnesota’s key defensive reserves from 2017 will not be returning.

On Wednesday, former Vikings linebacker Emmanuel Lamur agreed to a deal with the Oakland Raiders. Lamur spent the past two seasons with Minnesota as a defensive backup and a key contributor on special teams.

With the Vikings bringing in defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson this offseason, Tom Johnson is not expected to be back with the team in 2018. Johnson is currently a free-agent and has had some interest from a few teams from around the NFL including the Seattle Seahawks.

The veteran defensive tackle has been with Minnesota since 2014. After spending the majority of his first three seasons with the Vikings as a reserve, Johnson started 15 games in 2017 and finished with 32 total tackles and two sacks.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota could also be losing another defensive tackle to free agency this year in Shamar Stephen. Like Johnson, the 27-year-old defensive lineman has met with the Seahawks this offseason and he has also visited with the Detroit Lions.

In addition to these three defenders, this could finally be the year in which the Vikings don’t bring back Terence Newman. The veteran corner is a free-agent right now and he will be turning 40-years-old before the start of next season.

Despite his impressive ability to still play at a productive level, Minnesota may want to give some of their younger guys with more upside a shot in their defensive backfield next year.

To replace these players and their roles on the team, the Vikings already have a few people on their roster that could likely step up and fill these voids including linebacker Eric Wilson, defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson, and cornerback Mackensie Alexander.

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But with Zimmer still leading the way, expect Minnesota to add to their defensive arsenal during the first few rounds of this year’s NFL Draft to help with their depth for 2018 as well.