6 free agents who could make the Vikings a super team in 2021
By Adam Carlson
J.J. Watt, defensive line
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings were absolutely atrocious when it came to generating pressure up front and stopping the run up the gut. Things should get better with Michael Pierce joining the squad and Danielle Hunter returning from injury, but adding another established presence to the defensive line.
What can be said about J.J. Watt that people already don’t know? Not only is he one of the most beloved players in the NFL but he is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who has been to five Pro Bowls and named First-Team All-Pro five times as well.
With all those accolades, it’s the sacks that really matter. Watt has led the league in quarterback takedowns in two seasons (2012, 2015) and has racked up 101 sacks in 128 games played, a very nice ratio for any defender whether he would be playing defensive end or defensive tackle in Minnesota’s 4-3 defense.
Although J.J. Watt will be 32 this season and is from Wisconsin (don’t hold that against him), there is no doubt that he would be a massive upgrade over any defensive end or pass-rushing defensive tackle the Vikings currently have available and help bring intimidation back to the trenches when on defense.