6 free-agent offensive tackles the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Nik Edlund
Kelvin Beachum
Kelvin Beachum is arguably the best option on this list as he graded out higher than pretty much every other player last season while playing a large number of snaps.
The guy has a well-proportioned build with long arms and good overall athletic ability. He allowed just three sacks in 1,126 snaps played last season and he would be a major upgrade over Oli Udoh as Minnesota’s backup right tackle.
Beachum will be 32-years-old in June, but he has remained relatively healthy throughout his NFL career. His nine seasons of experience would be huge for a Vikings offensive line that is a bit on the younger side. Players like Udoh, Brian O’Neill, and Ezra Cleveland could learn a thing or two from this veteran blocker who has been playing for nearly a decade in a few different schemes.
Cost-wise, Beachum should come at a price the Vikings would like. He made just over $1 million in 2020 and should expect to land a similar contract this offseason.
Minnesota is in win-now mode and if O’Neill goes down and the team is forced to insert inexperienced Udoh into the lineup, it could result in a disaster. Beachum would be a cheap insurance policy that would give the Vikings an experienced player behind O’Neill and he is someone who is fully capable of starting a game or two if needed.