REPORT: Former Minnesota Vikings starting center to hit free agency
By Adam Carlson
The Rams will not be exercising their option on offensive lineman John Sullivan, meaning he could become a free agent target for the Minnesota Vikings.
Most fans of the Minnesota Vikings will remember John Sullivan. His play on the offensive line from 2008 to 2014 was consistent and strong, especially when blocking for Adrian Peterson. He started 93 games for the franchise before moving over to the Redskins for the 2016 NFL season and then the Rams for the next two years. Now, it looks as though Sullivan will hit free agency once again.
According to NFL Network and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero on Twitter, the Rams have decided not to exercise their option on Sullivan’s contract, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent for the 2019 NFL season.
This is interesting because he could be a bargain of a signing if the Vikings want to bring him back. Minnesota has a clear need when it comes to the interior of their offensive line and adding as much talent as possible to help out the run game and quarterback Kirk Cousins must be a priority.
Sullivan has proven he can still hold up to an NFL season following surgery to repair microfractures in his left knee since he started 31 of the 32 games the Rams played last year and was part of a high-flying Los Angeles offense.
However, Sullivan will be 34 years old this year and the market for an aging offensive lineman might not be what it would have been if he were a younger player. He won’t be a part of any team’s long-term plans on the offensive line but offers to be a good gap player to allow a franchise more time to fix major issues.
This could be a great fit for Minnesota since they are likely to address the future of their offensive line through the draft and could afford to be more patient with the development of their young players with a smart, experienced player like Sullivan pitching in for a year or two.
Must Read. The top 10 Vikings tight ends of all time. light
Would you like to see John Sullivan return to the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent this season? Or should the team explore other options to fill their needs on the offensive line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!