Why the Minnesota Vikings are not going to sign Larry Warford

Recently released by the New Orleans Saints, veteran guard Larry Warford doesn’t really fit the mold of what the Minnesota Vikings are looking for in their offensive linemen.

After he was recently released by the New Orleans Saints, Larry Warford immediately became one of the top free-agent offensive linemen available. Since Warford makes his money lining up on the inside as a guard, some have hoped for the Minnesota Vikings to attempt to add the veteran blocker to their roster this year.

But just because he plays guard, doesn’t mean he’s a good fit for the Vikings. Minnesota has recently been looking for offensive linemen who possess above-average athletic traits for their zone-blocking scheme and Warford just isn’t that great of an athlete.

The last three offensive linemen the Vikings have drafted with a first or second-round selection (Brian O’Neill, Garrett Bradbury, and Ezra Cleveland) ran their 40-yard dash at the Combine in 4.93 seconds or faster. Warford’s time in the 40-yard dash of 5.58 seconds just doesn’t meet the criteria for what Minnesota is looking in their offensive linemen right now.

Since they run a lot of screens and ask their linemen to pull on a bunch on running plays, the Vikings need guys who can get to their spots quickly. Warford has never been a blocker who has been praised for his quickness out on the field.

Now, this isn’t to say that the former Saints guard isn’t talented. Warford has been voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his last three seasons and there’s a reason for that.

But when it comes to finding guys who are a fit for what Minnesota is trying to do on offense, Warford isn’t someone that they’re likely to pursue. Combined with the report that he’s looking to sign with a team who will pay him at least $7 million per year, passing on him is an easy decision for the Vikings to make.