6 free-agent interior offensive linemen the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Chris Schad
Brett Jones
As we go back into the shallow end of the free-agent pool, some of the Vikings’ best options could be retaining some of their own players. While not exciting, bringing back Brent Jones should be under consideration as a player who offers a solid contingency plan if things go haywire.
Jones was acquired during the 2018 offensive line debacle that sabotaged their season. He is a former starter during his days with the New York Giants and he knows Minnesota’s system, even if he didn’t see the field very much in 2019.
If we can look at anything, it was his performance during the preseason for the Vikings, where he didn’t register a single pressure in 72 pass-blocking snaps. Preseason performance won’t put Jones into Canton (or in this case, Mike Zimmer’s starting lineup), but there is some value to having some good tape on a guy in case you have to use him.
As a cheap alternative, Jones could work for another year to back up Garrett Bradbury and provide a worst-case scenario backup at both guard positions.