Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who could be extended before next season

Minnesota Vikings Player No. 3: Ifeadi Odenigbo

One of the most common areas the Vikings like striking deals with up-and-coming players is along the defensive line. The most recent example was a five-year, $72 million contract extension Hunter agreed to in the summer of 2018. While Hunter was not in a starting role at the time, the Vikings took the chance and paid him, which now looks like a massive bargain.

Two years later, the Vikings may do the same with their new starting defensive end, Ifeadi Odenigbo.

Odenigbo is the latest of Vikings late-round picks who have bounced around the roster and have started to break out. Last season, the Northwestern product collected seven sacks in a part-time role and has the versatility to play on the edge or kick inside to provide a speed rusher next to Michael Pierce.

The lack of money may be a factor in striking a deal at this point, but the impending extensions for Harris and Cook could free some space up. The Vikings failed last year when they tried to extend Stephen Weatherly, but Odenigbo could wind up being a better investment that pays off.