Who are some of the former Minnesota Vikings players that are still available in free agency?
During the last few seasons, the Minnesota Vikings have been forced to part ways with a number of longtime contributors.
Some of these players were shown the door due to a financial reason, others were let go because they weren’t performing up to their expectations, and then some chose to see if they could land a better opportunity with a different team.
Some have found success since leaving the Vikings, while others likely regret their decision to suit up in a different uniform.
Since the start of the 2021 free agency period began earlier this month, several former Minnesota players have landed contracts with new teams, including Kyle Rudolph, Anthony Harris, Riley Rieff, and Mike Remmers.
But there are still a good amount of former Vikings players that are still waiting for a team to give them a job for the 2021 season. Who are some of the most notable former members of Minnesota’s roster that have yet to be signed by an NFL team this year?
Jerick McKinnon – RB
2020 Stats (with 49ers):
- 81 carries, 319 yards, 5 touchdowns
- 33 catches, 253 yards, 1 touchdown
In his first legitimate action since the 2017 season with the Vikings, Jerick McKinnon finally got the chance to try and make an impact for the San Francisco 49ers last year.
After he was sidelined for the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to knee-related issues, McKinnon appeared in all 16 games for the 49ers in 2020. The former Minnesota running back was even a starter in four of these matchups.
McKinnon’s best performance from last season happened during San Francisco’s Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles when the 28-year-old running back finished with 97 total yards and one touchdown on 21 touches.
His days of getting a shot to be a team’s No. 1 running back are likely gone. But if a team is looking to add some solid depth to their offensive backfield this year, McKinnon could be a cheap option to consider, especially since he also has some extra value as a kick returner.
Everson Griffen – DE
2020 Stats (with Lions and Cowboys):
- 33 tackles (7 for a loss), 23 pressures
- 14 QB hits, 6 sacks, 4 pass deflections
Everson Griffen will be remembered as one of the most talented pass-rushers to ever suit up for the Vikings. But Griffen’s time in the NFL is nearing the end and that was pretty evident last season as he split the year between the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions.
The Cowboys had high hopes for Griffen heading into the 2020 campaign. But after he was only able to accumulate 1.5 sacks during his first six games of the season, Dallas decided to ship him off to the Lions.
Griffen performed a little better after landing with Detroit, but he still wasn’t anything close to the defensive end who earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2019 when he was with Minnesota.
At 33-years-old, he’s probably not going to have much interest from around the NFL this offseason. Some teams might be willing to bring him in as a situational pass-rusher, but his days as a full-time starter appear to be over.
Mackensie Alexander – CB
2020 Stats (with Bengals):
- 47 tackles
- 6 pass breakups, 1 sack
Mackensie Alexander’s departure from the Vikings in 2020 was a bit of a disappointment. Many would have liked to see Alexander re-sign with Minnesota last year, but he decided to take an opportunity to play for the Cincinnati Bengals instead.
Well, now he’s a free agent again this offseason and there are even reports of the Vikings having some interest in bringing him back.
At 27-years-old, Alexander still has plenty to offer as a cornerback in the NFL. He lined up primarily in the slot when he was with Minnesota, but he also has the ability to line up on the outside as well.
With the Vikings recently signing Patrick Peterson, their interest in Alexander might not be as high as it was previously. Even if he doesn’t end up back in Minnesota though, he should still be on an NFL roster by the start of the 2021 season.
Laquon Treadwell – WR
2020 Stats (with Falcons):
- 6 catches, 49 yards
- 2 touchdowns
Before Justin Jefferson came along and re-wrote the NFL’s all-time rookie receiving records during the 2020 season, Laquon Treadwell was the last receiver to be drafted by the Vikings with a first-round pick.
Minnesota had high hopes for Treadwell when they drafted him, but he was never able to experience any sort of success during his time in purple and gold.
The former Vikings first-round pick wound up playing for the Atlanta Falcons last season. He appeared five games for the Falcons and he had a grand total of seven targets.
Despite already spending five seasons in the NFL, Treadwell is still only 25-years-old. The fact that he hasn’t been able to produce much during his time in the league, however, is something that should concern any team that might have interest in the young receiver this year.
6 remaining free agents the Vikings could sign for 2021
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Is there a team that can finally get Treadwell to live up to the potential Minnesota thought he had back in 2016 when they spent their first-round draft pick on him?