5 offensive sleepers the Vikings should target in 2021 free agency
By Dean Jones
Which potential 2021 free agents on offense could emerge as sleeper targets for the Minnesota Vikings?
It’s not going to be easy for the Minnesota Vikings to bring quality into the organization during free agency this offseason. With the salary cap coming down due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost every NFL team is scrambling around trying to cut costs in a bid to comply with the new cap number and remain competitive in the process.
This is nothing new for the Vikings, who went through some significant complications surrounding their cap last year. The sacrifices made had a big impact on their production in 2020, especially on the defensive side of the ball, so the decision-makers will be wary not to make the same sort of mistakes again in an attempt to make a playoff return next season.
Kyle Rudolph was the first big-name veteran to depart Minnesota this year, and more could be on the way before the free-agent activity begins later this month. Everybody knows what is on the line for Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman if they cannot make improvements next time around. So they must spend their money wisely this offseason.
This will be an offseason like no other in terms of player movement. Veterans who might not have been released in normal circumstances will be looking for a new home, and some might even be willing to settle for less financially, providing the fit is right.
Minnesota can take advantage of this, providing they can free-up enough money to help them tempt players of interest. It’s a predicament that is evident across the league, but one everybody is stuck with until COVID-19 loosens its grip.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at five free-agent sleepers on offense who could help the Vikings in 2021.
Sleeper No. 1
John Miller – OG
2020 Team: Carolina Panthers
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the Vikings need better interior protection options.
This area became one of weakness throughout the 2020 campaign, and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world to see two new starters in 2021, depending on where the coaching staff wants Ezra Cleveland to play during his second year.
John Miller makes a ton of sense for Minnesota. He spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, and although he started well, things tailed off down the stretch.
There is enough to suggest Miller would be an upgrade over anything the Vikings currently has at their disposal. He did give up three sacks and he conceded six penalties during 910 snaps in 2020 on his way to a modest 61.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. But if Minnesota needs immediate help, they could do far worse than look in his direction.