6 free-agent offensive tackles the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Anthony Castonzo
The Vikings would do well to make free-agent offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo a top priority this offseason.
Whether Minnesota’s salary cap can be adjusted significantly to accommodate someone like Castonzo is another matter. The Vikings have plenty of work to do this spring to ensure they are in a position to upgrade a line that showed improvements before eventually falling short in the playoffs last season.
Castonzo is widely regarded as one of the best left tackles in the NFL and his next deal is expected to be his last big contract. He turns 32-years-old in August, so regression may not be far away.
There is little doubt the Indianapolis Colts would like to keep Castonzo around on a formidable offensive line that is arguably the most dominant in the league. He is a solid run blocker who is equally as skilled during pass protection.
He would represent a considerable upgrade over current Minnesota left tackle Reilly Reiff. If signing Castonzo becomes a viable option, then Reiff might be a casualty for release to free up some much-needed funds for the Vikings.
Another option would be to move Reiff inside to guard if finances permit. Castonzo had an $11.05 million cap hit last season and he is expected to command close to double-digits from a team looking for a bookend to protect their quarterback’s blindside.
However, Indianapolis may still just use the franchise tag on Castonzo this offseason to keep him on the books for 2020.