What’s next for Riley Reiff and the Vikings heading into free agency?
By Dean Jones
What are Minnesota’s options with Reiff?
The most obvious move that the Vikings could make from a business standpoint is to release Riley Reiff.
The $8.8 million in cap savings might be too good to refuse for the organization. Despite this looking inevitable, there are some other options to consider when deciding the player’s future.
There is the possibility Reiff sticks around and maybe moves into the guard position to strengthen the interior of Minnesota’s line. This part of the field was exposed during the Vikings’ divisional-round playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers and having Reiff move inside would instantly improve this area of the team’s offensive line.
This would have to involve a high-end NFL Draft pick or free agent coming in at either tackle spot and move Brian O’Neill accordingly. Another option is to move Oli Udoh into a starting position after he showed signs of life as a rookie in 2019.
Getting consistency from rookie tackles is not guaranteed and whether Minnesota thinks paying eight-figures to a guard given their financial predicament is another matter up for debate.
The Vikings also have the option to trade Reiff to ensure they get something back in return for a veteran lineman. This could be for draft capital or as part of a deal to bring in a high-profile name such as perennial Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams from the Washington Redskins.
Deals for offensive lineman do not happen often and they do not come cheap. NFL teams are not foolish and they will not offer Minnesota a tremendous amount for a player they could pick up for nothing in free agency if he is released.