5 best Minnesota Vikings free agents who are still available

Kentrell Brothers – LB

At this stage of free agency, seeing Kentrell Brothers shouldn’t be too much of a shock. For a guy who, coming out of college, was considered a tackling machine, he’s racked up just 55 career tackles in four NFL seasons.

Playing behind Eric Kendricks makes it hard to get on the field, but playing defense isn’t why Brothers is still in the league. It’s because he’s an excellent special teams player.

Brothers flies down the field and he is usually one of the first players to make contact with the returner. Coaches love him because he does the dirty work that needs to be done but doesn’t get recognized. While his play on defense hasn’t been noteworthy, his ability on special teams is what should get him signed this offseason.

Brothers’ time with the Vikings is likely over. They just agreed to terms with former XFL linebacker DeMarquis Gates and he’ll probably take over Brothers’ role on special teams while also providing depth in the linebacking corps.

Brothers should eventually find a new team, but he may not get a call until after the draft. Whoever does sign him will be getting a core special teamer and a solid backup option at linebacker.