Vikings free agent guard Nick Easton expected to be medically cleared

After missing the 2018 NFL season due to surgery to repair a herniated back, free agent guard Nick Easton should be ready to go for the 2019 campaign.

The Minnesota Vikings could have really used a healthy Nick Easton at guard last year. However, the NFL is a dangerous place and sometimes injuries can take talented players out of the mix at a moments notice.

Easton’s absence forced the team trade for Brett Jones from the Giants and move Mike Remmers over to guard for the entire season as well as start the recently acquired Tom Compton for 14 games.

The good news is that Easton should be ready to go for the 2019 NFL season. General manager Rick Spielman gave the good news that the NFL Scouting Combine and was it was shared by the Star Tribune.

"“I’m not going to talk about game-planning or anything like that,” Spielman said. “but medically he should be cleared.” Easton “just went out to his doctor,” Spielman added “he’ll be cleared.”"

The bad news is that Easton is an unrestricted free agent and can sign anywhere he likes this offseason. If he returns to Minnesota, he would have to be the favorite to take over the left guard spot where Tom Compton struggled. However, in a pinch, Easton would have no problem filling in at right guard or even center in the case of emergency.

Easton’s versatility combined with skills on the field could raise his price, but since he’s coming off a back surgery there is a chance teams could be hesitant to pursue the offensive lineman and instead look to the 2019 NFL Draft.

Hopefully, Easton’s price tag can remain somewhat low so the Minnesota Vikings can retain his services for another season and help out the struggling offensive line in both creating running holes and protecting quarterback Kirk Cousins.