6 free-agent interior linemen the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Adam Carlson
Lane Taylor
A player who is used to working hard for everything they have achieved, Lane Taylor was able to battle for a starting role with the Green Bay Packers last offseason and take over the starting right guard spot.
The 31-year-old offensive lineman won that spot to protect in Green Bay after recovering from a biceps injury and would have to overcome another injury if he hopes to be a starter in 2021. Taylor suffered a knee injury against Minnesota in Week 1 that put him on the shelf for the rest of the season, which is something the Vikings would need to monitor closely if they express interest in his services.
Taylor made an average of $5.5M over his last three seasons with the Packers and would likely need to accept less than that to play for Minnesota. Considering his injuries, he is not likely to land a contract of that magnitude this offseason.
Signing Lane Taylor would allow Minnesota to free up Ezra Cleveland to put him at another spot on the line. But medical clearance, salary negotiations, and the fit for the Vikings are all questions that would need to be addressed.