4 free agents the Minnesota Vikings should bring in for tryouts
By Dean Jones
Marcell Dareus – DT
The Minnesota Vikings were dealt a blow when defensive tackle Michael Pierce decided to opt-out in 2020 due to health concerns. This was the organization’s biggest free agent pickup on defense. And it remains to be seen whether those currently on the roster have what it takes to fill the void.
Shamar Stephen looks to be a prime candidate to replace Pierce on the interior. The player is a formidable presence to move off the block. But consistency has been a problem during his career.
If the Vikings want to explore free agency for a potential replacement for Pierce, then they should look no further than Marcell Dareus. The former No. 3 overall pick endured his fair share of injury problems with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. But if he is back to full health, then this could be just what Minnesota is looking for.
Dareus has been a commanding figure on the line of scrimmage throughout his career. And he would also provide solid veteran leadership on a Vikings’ defensive line that lost Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph this offseason.
The player has recently been linked with a move to the Seattle Seahawks. But it would be hard for Dareus to pass up this opportunity to work out with the Vikings at this point in the preseason.
The All-Pro boasts career stats of 358 combined tackles, 255 solo tackles, 37.5 sacks, 50 tackles for loss, 61 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and 15 pass deflections over the last decade. Much would depend on what sort of salary Dareus is asking for. But he is an intriguing option if the price is right.