The Minnesota Vikings have been listed as a possible destination for the offensive lineman who spent the 2018 season with the Denver Broncos.
It is no secret that the Minnesota Vikings once again need help with the offensive line. So there is a good chance that the Vikings will try to sign a couple of lineman and draft a few too this offseason.
According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver, one of the names Minnesota is rumored to possibly be interested in this year is Billy Turner, who spent the past two full seasons with the Denver Broncos. Considering Turner’s connections to new Vikings offensive line coach Rick Dennison and offensive advisor Gary Kubiak, it does not come as a surprise.
The 27-year-old offensive lineman played his college ball at North Dakota State and before that, he played at Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, Minnesota. While in college, Turner was a two-time AP FCS All-American and two-time First-Team All-Missouri Valley selection.
He ended up getting selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Turner lasted with the Dolphins until they waived him early in the 2016 season. The Baltimore Ravens ended up claiming him, but then he was waived again three days later. Two days following that, he was claimed off of waivers by the the Broncos.
In 2017, Turner was placed on injured reserve after breaking his hand in Week 6 (the only game he appeared in all season). Last season, he started in 11 games (four at right tackle and seven at left guard) and he played in all 16 contests for the first time in his career. During his time on the field in 2018, Turner gave up 3.5 sacks to opposing defenders.
Turner’s father, Maurice Sr., was actually selected by the Vikings in the 12th round of the 1983 draft. His father ended up playing for Minnesota in 1984 and 1985 as a running back.
Even if Minnesota does not bring Turner in to start for next season, his versatility would be a nice presence on their roster and the extra depth he would provide is always great to have.
Brian O’Neill could be the Vikings’ right tackle for years to come. But if he gets injured, Minnesota will, of course, need someone to step in and Turner could be that guy.
He would not likely be very expensive for the Vikings to sign this year since he only made around $2 million last season in Denver. So it definitely may be a move that Minnesota ends up making this year.