The Viking Age
FanSided

Grading the Minnesota Vikings moves in free agency after day one

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins is sacked with the ball by Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 16: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins is sacked with the ball by Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 8: Gabe Jackson #66 of the Oakland Raiders stops the progress of Shamar Stephen #93 of the Minnesota Vikings during the game on August 8, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 8: Gabe Jackson #66 of the Oakland Raiders stops the progress of Shamar Stephen #93 of the Minnesota Vikings during the game on August 8, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Shamar Stephen, defensive tackle

So far, the team hasn’t done much as far as picking up players from other teams, but they have brought back some familiar faces to the team and that includes a reuniting between the Vikings and Shamar Stephen.

Minnesota was unable to bring back Sheldon Richardson so they went out and got another starting-caliber defensive tackle on a contract that brings him from the Seahawks to the Vikings for 3 years at a price of $12.45M with $6M guaranteed.

Starting 34 games in his career and playing 67, he may not be Richardson but he should be able to fill the gap in the defensive line next to Linval Joseph or at least be in heavy competition with a draft pick at the spot.

If he can be more productive in his pass rush, he should be a valuable asset to Minnesota. However, it remains to be seen if he can actually be more of a threat in that aspect of the game. Still, it’s nice to have an insurance policy at a position of need at less than $5M per year. Grade: B-

Must Read. Vikings 7-round mock - free agency edition. light

So far, there haven’t been a lot of mistakes in the Minnesota Vikings decisions. In fact, it is astounding the team has been able to get so much done with what they were working with and still have the ability to possibly retain other key players. Still, the Vikings to this point have minimized their risk and brought back contributors to prepare for the 2019 NFL season.

Free agency grade so far: B+

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