How will Linval Joseph’s legacy with the Vikings be remembered?
By Dean Jones
Joseph’s career with the Vikings
Linval Joseph was a pivotal free agent signing for the Minnesota Vikings from the New York Giants. The organization finally found someone worthy of filling the void left by Pat and Kevin Williams, otherwise known as “The Williams Wall”.
The defensive tackle was on the field for 62 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in his first year with the franchise. He proved to be an elite run stuffer and managed to secure 48 combined tackles, three sacks, and a pass deflection.
Injury restricted Joseph to 12 regular-season games in 2015. He still performed well during the campaign and attained 56 tackles, a forced fumble, and 0.5 sacks.
Joseph bounced back in fine style the following season, which was arguably his best in the Vikings uniform. He played all 16 games and featured in 70 percent of the defensive snaps. The player was a real force on the interior and recorded 77 tackles, four sacks, and three forced fumbles during a standout campaign.
He followed this up with another productive season in 2017. Joseph was a force to be reckoned with on the whole and was rewarded with 67 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Things did not go according to plan in 2018, which saw the player regress considerably.
This left his overall future with the franchise in doubt. But the Vikings decided to keep him around and their faith in the player proved telling.
His 26 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble does not tell the full story of how well he performed over 13 regular-season games. Joseph also made two Pro Bowls during his time with the Vikings.