Predicting how former Vikings will do with their new teams in 2019

Nick Easton – C (New Orleans Saints)

When Nick Easton signed with the Saints it was actually quite shocking. This guy was coming off a serious neck injury which many believed to be career threatening. A lot of folks in the media and fans figured Easton wouldn’t get much more than a prove it, one year deal worth the veteran minimum.

That would’ve been a number the salary cap-strapped Vikings could’ve managed. Instead, he got a four-year $22.5 million deal from the New Orleans Saints.

At that number, Easton was clearly signed to be the team’s starting center. But a funny thing happened in April. The Saints used their first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft (which was in the second round) on a center.

Not only did they draft Texas A&M’s Erik McCoy, but they also moved up to get him. They obviously wanted this guy badly. McCoy is a very talented player who many believe is plug and play ready.

This will be an interesting competition in camp. Easton will get the first shot at being the Saints’ center, but if McCoy impresses early he could push Easton for his job. The chances are strong that the veteran will win this job, but he could be on a short leash at the start of the season.

Both of these guys have position flexibility and could slide over to guard if need be. So there is a chance they are both on the field at the same time in 2019. Still, the drafting of McCoy definitely shortens the lifespan of Easton at center for the Saints.

Prediction: 6 starts, then a backup the rest of the season