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

Efe Obada

While Efe Obada is not your stereotypical defensive tackle, this is a role he filled well during his time with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 that added another string to his bow. The Nigerian-born player operated as a three-technique in obvious pass-rushing situations, demonstrating a real nous for getting in opposing backfields on his way to 5.5 sacks from just 39 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.

This sort of versatility is what every successful organization needs. Obada began the campaign being released by the Panthers before he was brought back onto their practice squad, and it ended with the player emerging as a vital piece of their defensive line rotation.

Giving Obada the feel-good story tag at this stage is unfair. His production last season proves beyond all doubt that the lineman belongs in the NFL and although the Panthers would love to keep him around, it might be worth the Minnesota Vikings trying to acquire the player who represents some tremendous value financially in the current climate.

Last season will have done Obada’s confidence the world of good. He’s a great character to have around the locker room and has the sort of enthusiasm and steely determination that head coach Mike Zimmer usually warms to.