5 biggest positions of need for the Vikings in free agency
By Dean Jones
5. Defensive Tackle
The Vikings will need help on the interior of their defensive line in the event Linval Joseph is let go to relieve salary cap concerns.
Joseph’s release would free up $10.88 million in cap space for a franchise that is in dire need of relief. This could be too much for Minnesota to pass up on at this stage of his career.
Releasing Joseph would leave the Vikings incredibly short at the defensive tackle position, with only Shamar Stephen boasting legitimate experience as a starter. Stephen performed well at times last season and he will have gained a lot from playing alongside such an experienced figure as Joseph.
A potential free agent at this position will not be on the cheap side unless they come with considerable baggage.
Proven defensive tackles are normally extended or franchised as they are incredibly hard to find. Minnesota might be better off waiting to find a high pick in the NFL Draft to acquire someone worth having in the trenches.
If they choose to go the free agency route, short-term deals with veteran players or those with something to prove might be a good stop-gap option until more cash is freely available to get someone in with a bigger reputation.
The likes of Johnathan Hankins, Dontari Poe, and DeForest Buckner are set to test the market in 2021 and each would all be a significant upgrade over what the Vikings currently have.