Former Vikings trade target is now a free agent after release
By Adam Patrick
Kevin Zeitler was reportedly pursued by the Minnesota Vikings in the recent past. With his release on Wednesday, will they attempt to sign him?
A surprise to pretty much no one who has paid a second of attention to the Minnesota Vikings during the last few years, one of the team’s top priorities this offseason is to improve their offensive line.
The interior of the Vikings offensive line is what needs the most help after underwhelming performances from Dakota Dozier and Ezra Cleveland at left and right guard in 2020.
How the Vikings will attempt to improve the unit this year remains to be seen. On Wednesday though, an intriguing offensive guard hit the free-agent market that Minnesota actually attempted to acquire in a trade recently.
Recently released guard Kevin Zeitler should interest Minnesota Vikings
Back in 2019, the Vikings were (shockingly) in the middle of trying to improve their offensive line and they even put former pass rusher, Everson Griffen, on the trade block in an attempt to acquire a veteran blocker from the Cleveland Browns.
Minnesota reportedly included Griffen in a trade offer for former Browns right guard Kevin Zeitler. Cleveland obviously declined the Vikings’ offer and Zeitler wound up getting dealt to the New York Giants.
Well, after two seasons and 31 starts, the Giants decided to release the veteran guard on Wednesday. Zeitler is now free to sign with any team he desires this offseason.
Given their attempt to acquire him in the past, could Minnesota be interested in signing the recently released blocker this year?
At the very least, the Vikings should consider it. Zeitler’s performance slipped a bit during his tenure with New York. But at 31-years-old, he still has time to get things back on track.
If Minnesota added him to their roster, he would be an instant upgrade over any guard they currently have under contract.
Obviously, signing Zeitler will depend on how much money he’s looking to make and how much cap space the Vikings are able to clear in the near future. If Minnesota thinks they can afford the former Giants guard, then they should strongly consider making an attempt to get him under contract for next season.