6 recently released free agents the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Adam Patrick
Jurrell Casey – DT
2020 Team: Denver Broncos
Stopping the run and generating the pass rush was not something the Vikings defensive line did well in 2020. Injuries and offseason departures led to a bunch of new faces from the position group getting an increase in playing time, but it didn’t translate into success.
Danielle Hunter and Michael Pierce are expected to be on the field for Minnesota next season, so the defensive line should definitely be improved. Even with these two returning to play though, the Vikings should still look to upgrade the other two spots on their starting defensive line.
Shamar Stephen has been a massive disappointment on the interior of the defensive line during each of the last two seasons and Minnesota could potentially release him this year to free up some much-need cap space. If the Vikings end up doing this, replacing Stephen with someone like Jurrell Casey should be a consideration.
Casey only appeared in three games for the Broncos last year due to a torn bicep. But last season was the first time since 2014 that he didn’t earn a spot on the Pro Bowl roster.
Casey is someone who has excelled on the inside as a pass-rusher as he averaged six sacks per year from 2015 to 2019. He would be a tremendous upgrade over Stephen for Minnesota if they’re interested in pursuing his services.