4 free agents the Minnesota Vikings should bring in for tryouts
By Dean Jones
Julian Stanford – OLB
Eric Wilson looks set to get a chance to prove his worth as a starter in 2020. The outside linebacker is set to slot opposite Anthony Barr once again on the Minnesota Vikings’ front seven. And this could be the year he finally breaks out.
There is also Ben Gedeon’s presence on the roster to consider. But the depth chart behind this duo looks especially thin and more might be needed.
Julian Stanford is a versatile player that can operate anywhere at the second level. He caught the eye during his limited time on the field with the Buffalo Bills in 2019. And the former Wagner standout could become a nice complementary piece for the Vikings’ rotation.
This is a role Stanford has served well at teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets throughout his career. And all the player is probably looking for at this juncture is an opportunity to make a 53-man roster once again.
Stanford’s play in 2019 saw him secure a 66.6 grade from Pro Football Focus after seeing the field for just 5.4 percent of the Bills’ defensive snaps. His last prolonged period on the field was in 2016 with the Jets. And this is a concern that would need to be alleviated during any potential workout.
There are little disputing Stanford’s athletic traits. And it is unlikely he would command anything more than the veterans’ minimum at this stage of the offseason.