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.

Jaleel Johnson

The guy who appears to be the immediate front-runner for the job, Jaleel Johnson has been waiting for an opportunity like this since he was drafted by the Vikings in 2017.

Johnson didn’t see much of the field during his first two years with Minnesota, but last year he was able to appear in 37 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and even start three games.

Unsurprisingly, it resulted in the most productive season of his NFL career as he finished with 29 tackles (five for a loss), five quarterback hits, and 3.5 sacks. He also generated six quarterback pressures and his missed tackle rate (3.3 percent) was among the lowest on the Vikings defense in 2019.

At 316 pounds, Johnson is currently the heaviest remaining defensive lineman on Minnesota’s roster after the departure of the 340-pound Michael Pierce. Will the former Iowa defensive tackle be ready if the Vikings make him a starter this season?

Shamar Stephen

Behind Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen is the next heaviest remaining defensive lineman on the Vikings roster at 309 pounds.

Last season, Stephen was Minnesota’s starting three-technique. In the past though, he’s also shown the ability to line up in the nose tackle spot.

While his versatility is good, Stephen just wasn’t very impressive for the Vikings last year. Despite starting in 15 games and being on the field for 53 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps last season, he only managed to rack up a total of 21 tackles (two for a loss), two quarterback hits, two quarterback pressures, and only one sack.

Typically, the three-technique defensive tackle position is for the interior lineman who provide some pass-rushing ability. Stephen didn’t really generate much of a pass rush in 2019. But maybe he would be a better fit as the Vikings new nose tackle?

Armon Watts

Armon Watts is someone who was already being considered by some as a potential candidate to snag the Vikings starting three-technique spot over Shamar Stephen this year. This might be more a possibility if Minnesota shifts Stephen over to the nose tackle spot to replace Michael Pierce.

In order for Watts to emerge as the Vikings starting nose tackle in 2020, a bunch of things would probably have to happen.

First, he would likely have to add a little bit more weight as Minnesota has him currently listed at 295 pounds. Second, other players would likely have to sustain injuries or be forced to miss time for other reasons in order to Minnesota to switch Watts over to be their nose tackle.

As a rookie last year, Watts had some impressive moments. He did well against the run and displayed the ability to get to the opposing quarterback on multiple occasions.

Unless he’s able to increase his weight before the start of the upcoming season, however, the Vikings going with him as their new starting nose tackle doesn’t seem likely.

Domata Peko (Free Agent)

Why would the Vikings be interested in a 35-year-old free-agent defensive tackle who only appeared in seven games for the Baltimore Ravens last season?

For starters, Domata Peko is very familiar with Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer and the defensive scheme he likes to run. Peko was a starting defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2008 to 2013 when Zimmer was the team’s defensive coordinator.

Despite his age, the veteran defensive lineman is still very interested in playing for an NFL team in 2020. Peko took to Twitter on Tuesday to let everyone know that he’s ready to get back on the football field.

Even though he appeared in just seven games for the Ravens last season, he’s only two years removed from starting 16 games for the Denver Broncos in 2018. Could a reunion with Zimmer be in his future?

Marcell Dareus (Free Agent)

The No. 3 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Marcell Dareus is someone who could potentially get his career back on track if he signed with the Vikings and got the opportunity to work with defensive line-guru, Andre Patterson.

Dareus’ career got off to a great start as a member of the Buffalo Bills, he was even a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2014. But since then, he’s missed a total of 22 games due to injuries or suspension.

After only appearing in six matchups last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to not pick the final-year option on Dareus’ contract and he hit free agency this year.

He’s got the size (6-foot-3, 331 pounds) and he’s displayed the talent in the past. Would some guidance and better coaching from Patterson in Minnesota be what Dareus needs to become one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL again?

Mike Daniels (Free Agent)

Mike Daniels is slightly undersized to line up at nose tackle, but he has the talent to do well at the position. Daniels also has a ton of experience going up against teams in the NFC North having played for both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions during his eight-year career.

He actually caused a bunch of trouble for the Vikings in the past when he used to suit up for the Packers. In 12 games against Minnesota since 2013 as a member of Green Bay and Detroit, he racked up 19 tackles (12 for a loss), 19 quarterback hits, and 8.5 sacks.

He’s dealt with some injuries recently, but the Vikings should still look into adding him to their roster given his experience in the division.

If Minnesota is willing to use an undersized Shamar Stephen as their starting nose tackle in 2020, Daniels at 310 pounds is definitely someone they should bring in to compete for the job as well this year.