As training camp creeps closer to beginning, who are four remaining free-agents that the Minnesota Vikings might consider signing?
In less than two weeks, the Minnesota Vikings will be kicking off their 2018 training camp. The Vikings’ roster is already at the 90-man limit, but it’s possible that the team may want to add someone different before camp begins.
There are still a bunch of players available on the free-agent market that could help Minnesota in their quest for a Super Bowl in 2018.
Are these players starter quality? Potentially, but the majority of those who are still unsigned would likely be brought on board by the Vikings to only improve their depth.
So who are a few of the remaining free-agents that could end up on Minnesota’s roster before they begin training camp on July 24?
Eric Decker – WR
From 2012 to 2015, Decker was one of just four players in the NFL to catch over 40 touchdowns. In the two seasons since, the free-agent receiver has caught only three passes for scores and started just 11 games.
Despite his decline in trips to the end zone over the last two years, Decker did finish 2017 as the Tennessee Titans’ second-leading receiver. In 16 appearances last season, he caught 54 passes for 563 yards and one touchdown.
Decker is also a native of Cold Spring, Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, so he is very familiar with the Twin Cities and how passionate everyone there is about the Vikings. If Minnesota gave the receiver a call, would he be interested in a return to his home state?
Jahri Evans – RG
Figuring out the right side of their offensive line is going to be a critical task for the Vikings during training camp this year.
Right now, Mike Remmers is assumed to be Minnesota’s top choice at right guard for 2018. But with Remmers basically transitioning to a new position this year, adding a veteran guard like Evans for more competition might be something the Vikings could be interested in.
Evans will be 35 in August, but he is a four-time First-Team All-Pro and he played solid as a member of the Green Bay Packers in 2017. Even if he ends up not making Minnesota’s final regular season roster this year, he could at least offer Remmers some helpful tips and tactics during training camp.
Tre Boston – S
It’s a little astonishing to see the list of safeties who are still available in free agency right now. There are still plenty of talented players at this position who could be of help to an NFL team in 2018, including Boston.
The free-agent safety spent last season as a starter for the Los Angeles Chargers and finished with 79 total tackles, eight pass deflections, and five interceptions. 2017 was Boston’s first opportunity to be a full-time starter in his career and he did well considering the circumstances.
His lack of experience as a starter did show up at times in 2017, but the Vikings have a history (at least recently) of finding ways to reduce the flaws of their defensive backs. Could Boston become the latest to attend Mike Zimmer’s secondary school?
Jamaal Charles – RB
The top two running back spots on the Vikings’ current depth chart are set with Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray. However, figuring out their who their third back will be in 2018 is a little more complicated for Minnesota.
Right now, the job is between Mack Brown and three undrafted rookies. Charles is still available and he could provide more than just his abilities to make plays in the open field.
Like Cook, Charles has suffered a torn ACL during his NFL career (twice, actually). The veteran running back could possibly offer Cook some tips from his past recovery experiences and direct Minnesota’s young rusher down the correct path to greatness.
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In addition to his knowledge about injury recovery, Charles could still have some worth in the Vikings’ offense in 2018 too. He has always been a solid option as a pass-catching running back and this skill of his could add another wrinkle to Minnesota’s offensive scheme.