Who are some of the players left in the free-agent pool that the Minnesota Vikings could sign this offseason?
Free agency has been going on for a week so far this year and the Minnesota Vikings have already made plenty of changes to their roster.
Minnesota‘s two biggest signings since the start of the 2021 free agency period have been former New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson. Both should play a big role in helping the Vikings’ defense get back to ranking among the NFL’s best next season.
In addition to the guys Minnesota has signed this year, they’ve also watched several longtime contributors join other teams. Guys like Kyle Rudolph, Anthony Harris, and Riley Reiff will all be wearing a new uniform for the 2021 season.
The Vikings still have plenty of needs to fill this year and there are still a good amount of talented players left in the free-agent pool that could help them out. Who are some of the remaining free agents that could end up with Minnesota for the 2021 season?
Carlos Dunlap – DE
2020 Teams: Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals
Minnesota has already improved the interior of their defensive line with the signing of Dalvin Tomlinson, but they still might be looking to add a veteran pass-rusher to their current roster.
Carlos Dunlap is getting near the end of his time in the NFL (32-years-old), but he is still capable of generating plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dunlap is also someone who Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer helped develop when both were with the Bengals from 2010 to 2013, so he should be familiar with what Minnesota’s current defensive scheme asks from their pass rushers.
Pharoh Cooper – WR
2020 Team: Carolina Panthers
The Vikings are in need of finding new players to be their punt returner and kick returner for next season. Pharoh Cooper is a guy who can handle both duties and this is something that should intrigue a team like Minnesota that doesn’t have a ton of money to spend on free agents.
Cooper was an All-Pro for his production as a return-man in 2017 and since then, he’s maintained his reputation as a solid returner. He could also be a potential candidate to be the Vikings’ No. 3 or No. 4 receiver for next season.
Will Parks – S
2020 Teams: Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles
With Anthony Harris recently signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Vikings need to figure out who their other starting safety next to Harrison Smith is going to be for next season.
Will Parks is someone Minnesota has already contacted this year about a possible contract according to the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling. Parks spent last season with the Broncos and Eagles. In 10 games in 2020, the 26-year-old safety finished with 31 tackles and one sack.
Forrest Lamp – OG
2020 Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Aside from the re-signing of swing tackle Rashod Hill, the Vikings haven’t added any offensive linemen to their roster this offseason. Minnesota needs the most help at their two starting guard spots and there are a few free-agents left who could fill either one of these roles.
Like Parks, Forrest Lamp is someone the Vikings have already expressed a possible interest in according to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson. The 27-year-old Lamp started all 16 games at left guard for the Chargers last season and Minnesota might be looking for him to take over as their starting left guard for the 2021 campaign.
Corey Bojorquez – P
2020 Team: Buffalo Bills
Currently, the Vikings already have a punter on their roster in Britton Colquitt. But aside from his abilities as a holder, Colquitt’s tenure in Minnesota has been pretty underwhelming.
Corey Bojorquez is coming off a 2020 season in which his 50.8 yards per punt average led the entire NFL. Last year, Minnesota ranked last in the league in opposing average starting field position. If the Vikings can add a punter like Bojorquez who can pin their opponents a little deeper down the field, it could help them tremendously.
Kenjon Barner – RB
2020 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Boone is no longer a member of Minnesota’s roster as he recently decided to sign with the Denver Broncos. With his departure, the Vikings now need to find a new No. 3 running back to backup Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison next season.
Kenjon Barner is someone who could take over as Minnesota’s new No. 3 rusher in 2021. But he could also fill the Vikings’ needs for a punt returner and a kick returner.
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Barner has returned both punts and kicks since entering the NFL in 2013, so he’s got the experience that would probably lower the stress levels of Mike Zimmer when Minnesota has to go out to return a punt or a kickoff.