7 underrated free agents the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Dennis Kelly – OT
Dennis Kelly has been one of the better backup offensive linemen in the NFL and he deserves the chance to start for someone next season.
The seven-year veteran’s final season with the Tennessee Titans in 2019 saw him play 36 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. He is a commanding presence from the right tackle position and he is a dependable asset.
Kelly was a much-loved figure within the Tennessee locker room and the high-character individual has all the characteristics Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks for in a player.
Acquiring someone like Kelly would allow Zimmer to move stud right tackle Brian O’Neill to the left side after a standout campaign last season. This could also see Riley Reiff move into the guard spot for Minnesota providing he is not shown the door to ease salary cap concerns this year.
Kelly is a good run blocker and he has the hands and footwork to be an upgrade in pass protection for the Vikings. He has no trouble filling in when needed and he looked good in the four starts he made for the Titans in 2019.
Kelly made $1.35 million in base salary last year with Tennessee. So it remains to be seen whether or not something in the region of three years for $6 million would be enough to tempt him away from a franchise who will also have lofty ambitions next season.