6 free-agent safeties the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Chris Schad
Jimmie Ward
If the Vikings are looking for an aggressive playmaker that usually doesn’t miss his target, Jimmie Ward would be a nice piece to subtract from the San Francisco 49ers. Ward made a career-high 65 tackles last season and he would be a versatile piece that could help create wrinkles in Minnesota’s defense.
Instead of going over the coverage and tackling numbers (which are both very good), the key for Ward’s addition would be his versatility and willingness to play any defensive position. Last year, Ward spent time at outside corner, slot corner, and both safety spots. With Jayron Kearse likely to leave the Vikings this year, Ward would be a nice piece to help make up for that loss.
Outside of money, the one concern is that Minnesota could have the chance to get a similar prospect in the draft in Isaiah Simmons, who plays like a linebacker, but can also drop back and play safety. If this is a position the Vikings would really like to prioritize, they could just save their money and trade up in the draft for Simmons.
Ward is probably unlikely to make it to Minnesota, but it’s a potential landing spot the team should be thinking of.