5 Vikings players who could have bigger roles in 2020

Ifeadi Odenigbo – DL

Ifeadi Odenigbo has been one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises on the Vikings in 2019. This guy has had a strange career path. He was drafted by Minnesota in 2017 and he signed to the practice squad as a rookie.

The following year, he was cut with the likely intention of once again landing on the Vikings’ practice squad. But then the Cleveland Browns swooped him up instead and he lasted there for just one month. He then was signed by the Arizona Cardinals and again, he lasted for just about a month.

Minnesota brought him back and he’s rewarded the team this season with seven sacks, a forced fumble, and a touchdown all on a rotational basis.

Odenigbo brings a ton of energy to the Vikings’ defensive line. He plays with his rear end on fire and he is extremely quick with violent hands. He has given the team plenty of game-changing plays this season and he has likely earned himself a healthy contract for the future.

Therein lies the concern. Odenigbo is an unrestricted free agent heading into 2020. Fans of Minnesota surely hope he not only gives the team the first shot at his services, but also a bit of a discount.

The Vikings are the ones who gave him a second and even third chance and it would make sense for him to stick with defensive line coach Andre Patterson, who has to be given a ton of credit for his development. That being said, Odenigbo has earned a nice payday and he will have to do what is best for him and his family.

If the Vikings are able to re-sign Odenigbo, chances are he’ll be the team’s starter at right defensive end in 2020. Everson Griffen has been extremely impressive this season, but he’s 32-years-old and also a free agent in 2020.

Minnesota will likely opt to go with the younger guy if given a choice. If they are somehow able to bring back both, seeing their roles reversed would make sense.

Odenigbo could be the starter and Griffen could come in on a rotational basis to help keep his aging legs fresh. Either way, Odenigbo’s role will probably be greatly expanded in 2020 assuming he’s back with the club.