6 options for the Vikings to replace DT Michael Pierce

Who will the Minnesota Vikings select to be their new starting nose tackle?

Tuesday for the Minnesota Vikings began with the big news that defensive tackle Michael Pierce has decided to opt-out of the 2020 season due to concerns related to COVID-19. Pierce’s reasoning for opting out is due to his asthma and other respiratory-related health issues he has dealt with throughout his life.

With his decision, the Vikings now have to scramble to find a new starting nose tackle. Minnesota signed Pierce this offseason in free agency and he was expected to be the guy to come in and replace Linval Joseph.

Obviously, that’s not going to happen this year and Minnesota has to find someone else to replace the gigantic hole in the middle of their defensive line left from Joseph’s departure.

The Vikings already have some options on their current roster who could step in and be their new starting nose tackle. Minnesota could also turn to the free-agent market and look into adding some of the defensive tackles who still haven’t signed with a team this year.

So let’s go over some of the players the Vikings could potentially roll with to replace Pierce this season, starting with three who are currently on the team’s roster and then three others who are still free agents.