The Viking Age
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5 free-agent offensive guards the Vikings could sign in 2019

By Chris Schad

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 28: Rodger Saffold III #76 of the Los Angeles Rams talks to the media during Super Bowl LIII Opening Night at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 28: Rodger Saffold III #76 of the Los Angeles Rams talks to the media during Super Bowl LIII Opening Night at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Rodger Saffold
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Rodger Saffold /

Rodger Saffold

2018 Stats:

  • 73.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (10th among guards)
  • 70.6 pass blocking grade
  • 72.8 run blocking grade (fifth among guards)
  • 25 QB pressures allowed

If the Vikings are playing a game of best-case scenario, poaching Rodger Saffold from the Los Angeles Rams would fall into that category.

After beginning his career as a decent left tackle, the Rams moved Saffold to guard in 2016. Since then, he has been a steady all-around lineman, thriving both in pass protection and run blocking.

Part of this could be fueled by Los Angeles having the best running back in football in their backfield in Todd Gurley, but adding Saffold could provide the extra push needed to have Dalvin Cook truly take off for Minnesota in 2019.

Unfortunately, signing Saffold sounds like a pipe dream. The soon-to-be 31-year-old has said he would like to return to Los Angeles in 2019 and the Rams sound like they also want to make that happen. However, much like with Anthony Barr with the Vikings, Saffold has said that he wants a fair deal and that could crack the door open just enough for Minnesota to swoop in and land the talented guard.

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