6 free-agent offensive tackles the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Halapoulivaati Vaitai is one of the best backup tackles in the NFL and he has earned the right to compete for a starting job in 2020.
He is a formidable presence on the line of scrimmage and the Vikings landing him would likely result in Brian O’Neill moving to the left tackle spot.
Vaitai had a cap hit of around $2 million last season and although he would want an increase, he will still probably be one of the cheaper options to enhance the Minnesota offensive line.
His expected price tag is something that will come into consideration for the Vikings, who may not have much to work with when it comes to their salary cap this year.
Vaitai’s play improved for the Philadelphia Eagles last season when he was given the opportunity to get on the field. The Eagles may offer him a new deal given Jason Peters’ impending free agency and the fact he is not getting any younger.
Having an aggressive and commanding presence at a fraction of the cost of Riley Reiff is going to be an intriguing proposition for Minnesota. There is the option of selecting a high-end draft pick at the position this year. But with so many potential holes on defense, the Vikings might be better off drafting a developmental prospect in the mid-rounds.
That is going to bring players with good upside such as Vaitai into the equation and at 26, he still has his best years of football ahead of him.