The Viking Age
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Projected starters for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2019 season

By Adam Carlson

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings returns an interception with teammates Xavier Rhodes #29 and Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings returns an interception with teammates Xavier Rhodes #29 and Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Matt Wile #6 of the Minnesota Vikings punts the ball on fourth down in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) Matt Wile /

Special Teams

There is quite a bit happening with specials teams this offseason, so let’s start with the players who are coming back to the team. Matt Wile and Dan Bailey face no opposition in camp and should be inked into their roles for 2019.

A confusing moment came when the Minnesota Vikings drafted long snapper Austin Cutting when he likely wouldn’t be eligible to play for the team for several years. This does lock McDermott back into the lineup, by a strange default.

Seven different players returned kicks last season with Ameer Abdullah handling the most, but it doesn’t make much sense to roster him for the job. Instead, using an existing cornerback like Mike Hughes to do so frees up a roster spot for players who will contribute more in other places.

On the other hand, franchise punt return leader Marcus Sherels is gone to Philadelphia and that spot will need to be filled. The backup for Sherels was Zylstra, who returned four punts for 26 yards last year. With more time and experience during camp and the preseason, he could win the job.

Related Story. Grades and analysis for the Vikings draft class. light

Do you agree that these will be the starters for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2019 NFL season? Or do you think some other player will step into a role this year? Let us know in the comments section.

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