Should the Vikings pursue Ndamukong Suh in free agency?
By Adam Patrick
Veteran defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is a free agent this year and the Minnesota Vikings could use his help.
Last year, one of the biggest moves the Minnesota Vikings made during the free agency period was when they were able to sign former Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce.
The Vikings figured Pierce would be a great replacement for Linval Joseph and he would be able to help the defense clog up their opponents’ running lanes.
Unfortunately for Minnesota’s defense, the veteran defensive tackle decided to opt-out of the 2020 season due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus. So the Vikings didn’t even get to utilize their top free-agent signing of the year and the performance of their defense definitely suffered without him on the field.
Could the Minnesota Vikings be interested in Ndamukong Suh this year?
Pierce is expected to play next season, so Minnesota should be set at nose tackle. However, the Vikings should still be looking for a better option to be their starting three-technique defensive tackle for the 2021 campaign.
Minnesota would probably love to fill this role with a young player from the draft, and they could do this with their top pick in the first round. Whether they take this route or not, the Vikings should also consider signing a veteran defensive tackle in free agency this year.
Someone who fits this description that could help improve Minnesota’s interior defensive line is Ndamukong Suh. Coming off his 11th NFL season, Suh is definitely an option the Vikings should consider in free agency this year.
Even though he just turned 34 in January, he was still able to perform at a high level in 2020 as a member of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 16 games, Suh accumulated 44 tackles (nine for a loss), 29 pressures, 19 quarterback hits, six sacks, and one forced fumble.
His career in the league might be nearing the end, but he proved he can still get the job done last year, and it should result in him generating a good amount of interest in free agency.
With his age, Minnesota might be able to work out a shorter deal with Suh that allows them to draft and develop a young defensive tackle that can replace him in a season or two.
Spotrac.com has Suh’s current market value earning him a contract that pays him a little over $6.8 million per year. Minnesota might be able afford this, but they would probably prefer an amount that is a little lower.
He’s definitely an intriguing option for the Vikings this year. But as it will be for every free agent they show interest in this offseason, it will all come down to how much it will cost to add him to their roster.