5 defensive sleepers the Vikings should target in 2021 free agency
By Dean Jones
Takkarist McKinley – DE
2020 Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders
Another area where the Vikings could use some assistance is their pass-rush, which failed to provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2020. The impending return to health of Danielle Hunter is going to be the biggest of boosts, even though there appears to be some growing speculation regarding the defensive end and his long-term future with the franchise.
Regardless of whether Hunter’s problems can be resolved or not, it’s vital the Vikings get some additional bodies on the rotation who are capable of making their presence felt. Someone like Takkarist McKinley might be a little overlooked after a complicated season that saw him start with the Atlanta Falcons and end up on the Las Vegas Raiders, but the former first-round pick has all the athleticism needed to turn things around.
With 17.5 career sacks over 49 games – 25 of which he’s started – it’s a little too soon to be writing off McKinley just yet. Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has expressed a desire to keep the edge rusher around this spring but the promise of more involvement in Minnesota might be a tempting proposition that’s hard to turn down.
Adding McKinley to a pass-rush that includes Hunter would be highly advantageous, especially if Ifeadi Odenigbo leaves in free agency for a better offer. There is also the possibility of taking an exciting college recruit to further boost Minnesota’s options moving forward.