Minnesota Vikings: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time
By Adam Carlson
60. . G. (2006-11). Steve Hutchinson. 6. player
The Seattle Seahawks spent a first-round pick on drafting offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson out of Michigan in the 2001 NFL Draft. They watched him become a dominant force at left guard. He excelled in both pass protection and run blocking for Seattle.
When Hutchinson hit free agency in 2006 and was given the transition tag from Seattle, the Vikings let him know just how badly they wanted his services.
His contract of $49 million over seven years and a “poison pill” guarantee that he would be the team’s highest-paid offensive lineman ensured he would be well compensated for his services, which the Seahawks could not match.
Hutchinson’s big payday paid off for the Vikings, as he was a major part of the Minnesota offensive line in 2012 which aided Adrian Peterson in nearly breaking the NFL’s single-season rushing record by gaining 2,097 yards from scrimmage.
One of these years, Hutchinson will finally get in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He has been a finalist the last two years, but didn’t get the nod. However, his contributions to the Vikings and the NFL make him more than worthy of the honor.