The Minnesota Vikings have a good amount of money left to spend this offseason and there are some talented players still available in free agency.
It has been less than two weeks since the 2018 NFL offseason began and the Minnesota Vikings have already made a bunch of splashy moves.
The Vikings kicked off free agency by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a three-year deal worth $84 million. A day later, Minnesota and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson agreed to a one-year contract worth $8 million.
In addition to these two big-time transactions, the Vikings also added to the depth of their offensive line with the signing of free-agent Tom Compton on Thursday. Along with the re-signing of kicker Kai Forbath, these are really the only moves Minnesota has made in free agency so far this offseason.
According to Over The Cap, the Vikings still have more than $21 million in cap space. Around $5 million will likely go to their 2018 draft selections and some more will probably be used to sign some of their current players to extensions.
However, Minnesota will still have a little bit of cash to spend on a few more free-agents that won’t necessarily break the bank. Who are some of the players remaining in free agency that could end up with the Vikings for the 2018 season?
Offensive Free-Agents:
Luke Joeckel, OG – The second-overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars is still only 26-years-old. While he hasn’t lived up to the expectations that came with his high draft selection, the 6-foot-6 blocker has the ability to play both guard and tackle.
Darren Sproles, RB – At 34-years-old and coming off a pair of season-ending injuries, it’s quite possible that Sproles could just end up retiring. But if he doesn’t, he would be a good signing to add even more variety to the Vikings’ offensive backfield.
Shawn Lauvao, OG – Since he was with the Washington Redskins and Kirk Cousins for the past three seasons, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Minnesota brought the veteran blocker in. Lauvao’s been a regular starting guard in the NFL since 2011, so he could be an interesting option for the Vikings to bring in and compete to be a starter on the team’s offensive line.
Brandon Tate, WR – If Minnesota does not bring back Marcus Sherels this offseason, Tate could be a good choice as the team’s new return specialist. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is familiar with the receiver too, as both were with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2011 to 2013.
Don Barclay, RT – As a former member of the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, Barclay has a bunch of experience blocking against the pass-rushers from the NFC North. He has played both guard and tackle during his time in the NFL as well.
Kenjon Barner, RB – Another option for Minnesota if they don’t re-sign Sherels. Barner was the primary punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 and averaged 8.9 yards per return.
Defensive Free-Agents:
Eric Reid, S – Getting the cold shoulder right now from some NFL teams because of his activism, Reid would be a great option for the Vikings if he’s willing to take a little less money than he probably wants. In 13 games last season with the San Francisco 49ers, the 26-year-old safety finished with 66 total tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions.
Connor Barwin, DE – Barwin is used to playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme, but Mike Zimmer would probably have no trouble finding a use for him. Minnesota seems to be a fan of the more lean and athletic pass-rushers lately (Danielle Hunter, Tashawn Bower) and Barwin is a guy that perfectly fits that mold.
Minnesota Vikings
Adam Jones, CB – Likely known more for his antics than his actual play on the field, Jones must be doing something right to still be in the NFL after he was drafted 13 years ago. Not only could he be an option for the Vikings as a return-man, Jones could also fill the role as the team’s nickel corner in 2018.
Reggie Nelson, FS – He wouldn’t be brought in to start, but Nelson would be a good player to improve Minnesota’s safety depth. The Vikings were interested in him the last time he was a free-agent and it’s possible that interest still remains.
Leon Hall, CB – Zimmer likes to bring in veteran defensive backs that he is familiar with and Hall fits that criteria. For Zimmer’s entire tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Bengals, Hall (now 33-years-old) was one of his two starting corners.
Next: 4 reasons to be excited about Kirk Cousins
Audie Cole, LB – Last season was the first time in Cole’s six-year NFL career that he was not a member of Minnesota’s roster. With the departure of Emmanuel Lamur this offseason, Cole could be a guy the Vikings bring back to improve their depth at linebacker and to also play a role on special teams.