3 reasons why free agency secured Mike Zimmer’s future in Minnesota

Minnesota’s defense got much better

The simplest answer to why the Vikings’ moves in free agency have helped secure Mike Zimmer’s future with the team is because the defense became vastly improved this offseason.

This was the biggest area of weakness a season ago for Minnesota, and the poor play of the defense can be directly blamed for a handful of the team’s nine losses in 2020.

Prior to the start of this year’s free agency period, the Vikings defense had already experienced a few improvements. We found out that both Michael Pierce and Danielle Hunter will return to the field next season and the team also signed defensive end Stephen Weatherly.

Pierce and Hunter returning gives Minnesota back their primary pass rusher and their run stuffer.  The addition of Weatherly improved the depth as he excelled as a situational pass rusher during his first stint with the Vikings.

In addition to those players returning, Minnesota brought in some key free agents this year. They added defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to form an impenetrable wall alongside Pierce. The Vikings’ run defense was horrid in 2020 and it will go from the outhouse to the penthouse in the rankings with Tomlinson and Pierce on the field.

Then Minnesota upgraded the defensive backfield with future Hall-of-Fame cornerback Patrick Peterson. He brings much-needed veteran leadership to the Vikings’ cornerback group and his presence should fast track the development of both Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler.

Minnesota also signed safety Xavier Woods to replace Anthony Harris and they added Mackensie Alexander, who is a major upgrade at the nickel corner spot.

The defense is vastly improved, and that should equal more wins, which should be enough to keep Mike Zimmer in town for another season or two.