6 free-agent defensive tackles the Vikings could sign in 2021

Which defensive tackles could the Minnesota Vikings look to acquire in 2021 free agency?

To say the Minnesota Vikings missed Linval Joseph in 2020 would be something of an understatement. The imposing defensive tackle was let go in free agency as part of a necessary cost-cutting measure, but the team’s lack of ability to produce the goods in his absence played a leading role in Mike Zimmer’s men missing the postseason.

This might have been different had free-agent signing Michael Pierce not opted-out of the campaign due to COVID-19 health concerns. The Vikings had high hopes of their signing from the Baltimore Ravens and although getting him on the interior next time around is going to be a huge asset, more will be needed if Minnesota wants to wrestle the NFC North crown from the Green Bay Packers in 2021.

Shamar Stephen and Jaleel Johnson just weren’t up to the required standard. It’s a little too early to be writing off rookie James Lynch after showing glimpses of promise, but there are high stakes for Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman next season, and getting a more proven interior lineman would be a smart way to go.

There isn’t a lot of financial wiggle room where the Vikings are concerned. Some significant sacrifices are no doubt coming for a second straight year, so whether this compromises other positional groups that will take priority is a developing situation that needs monitoring closely.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at six free-agent defensive tackles Minnesota might want to consider in the coming weeks.