6 free-agent defensive ends the Vikings could sign in 2020

Vinny Curry

A return to the Philadelphia Eagles proved to be a masterstroke by Vinny Curry and one that has prolonged his NFL career.

The 2012 NFL Draft pick was set for the scrapheap after a lackluster campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before a successful return to a place he called home during the first six seasons of his career.

Curry is not getting any younger and he will be 32-years-old by the time competitive action rolls around in September. He is more of a rotational pass-rusher these days, which worked well last season and it could have similar success with the Vikings.

Having multiple defensive ends that can all make an impact would take the pressure off Danielle Hunter, who will attract more double teams than ever in 2020 if Everson Griffen moves on to another team.

Although Curry is only a short-term option, he would be within reach financially and enable Minnesota to focus elsewhere during this year’s NFL Draft in areas such as cornerback or quarterback.

It remains to be seen whether Curry is willing to gamble on his talent for a second time and leave the surroundings where he is settled and accomplished. Philadelphia may make that decision for him, but he is probably not going to make more than $3.5 million a year given his age and the concern about his overall consistency.

Curry is another intriguing option for a Minnesota defensive line that could have a hugely different look by the time OTAs roll around this spring.