Report sheds light on Vikings possible interest in Nick Easton
By Adam Patrick
Are the Minnesota Vikings interested in bringing back their former offensive lineman, Nick Easton?
Improving the interior of the offensive line should be among the top priorities for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason.
The Vikings got good performances out of left tackle Riley Reiff and right tackle Brian O’Neill last season. But Dakota Dozier couldn’t have played much worse at left guard and Ezra Cleveland had plenty of moments at right guard that reminded everyone he was in his rookie campaign.
Cleveland could remain Minnesota’s starting right guard for next season. But it would be a good idea for the Vikings to replace Dozier at left guard with someone else.
Are the Minnesota Vikings interested in bringing back Nick Easton?
In 2016, Minnesota gave Nick Easton his first opportunity to be a starting NFL offensive lineman. Then in 2017, Easton wound up starting 12 games at left guard for the Vikings.
After missing all of the 2018 season due to injury, he hit free agency in 2019, and he ended up signing a deal to suit up for the New Orleans Saints.
Easton started 15 games for the Saints during the last two years and after the most recent season, the team decided to release him. So now he is a free agent again and he can sign with any team that gives him an offer to join their roster.
In need of a new left guard, is Minnesota a team that is interested in bringing Easton back for the 2021 season? According to a recent report, they haven’t contacted their old friend yet.
Last week, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that four teams had expressed interest in possibly signing Easton. Some wondered if the Vikings were one of these four teams.
Well, according to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson on Tuesday, Minnesota is not among those that have contacted the free-agent offensive lineman.
It’s possible that the Vikings could attempt to work out a deal in the future if he is still available. But for now, Minnesota has to figure out how to clear enough cap space to avoid being over the cap when the new league year begins on March 17.
Until they do that, they likely won’t be making any calls to potential free-agent signings, including Easton.