5 underrated free agents the Minnesota Vikings should sign
By Adam Carlson
Shaquil Barrett, linebacker
This year, it might come down to finding a replacement for Anthony Barr if the team can’t afford to bring him back this year. That means spending a little extra on a linebacker who can get after the quarterback but do other things well can be very important.
Shaquil Barrett was an undrafted free agent of the Denver Broncos in 2014. He flashed in the preseason but sits behind Bradley Chubb on Denver’s depth chart. However, when he does get on the field, he is impressive. In limited playing time, he’s accumulated 137 tackles, 35 quarterback hits, 14 sacks, seven pass defenses, seven forced fumbles, which is quite impressive for his role with the team.
He graded out as the 22nd best edge defender last year from Pro Football Focus, earning an overall grade of 75.9 (72.5 as a pass rusher and 76.8 as a run stopper) and the ability to do what Barr did for Minnesota if he gets a chance as a starter.
The Broncos know that he’s good because they placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on him last season to keep him around. But, if they want his services, they will have to do a little better than the $2,914,000 he made last year.