4 underrated free agents that could still make an impact for the Vikings
By Luke Parrish
K.J. Wright – LB
2020 Team: Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota had no chance at success last season once Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks left the lineup. The two linebackers have been insanely valuable for the Vikings since they joined the roster, but both battled injuries in 2020. That left the Vikings with a handful of hopefuls at linebacker to end the season and things went about as expected.
The New Orleans Saints gashed Minnesota on the ground on Christmas Day and now the Vikings should worry about their depth in the middle of the defense. Losing Eric Wilson was not a debilitating move because he was essentially just a big safety with coverage skills. If they wish to replicate that – and bring in a veteran to teach the young guys – K.J. Wright should get a call.
Wright, 32, has spent his entire career with the Seahawks and has been one of the better zone coverage linebackers in the league. His resume is impressive since joining Seattle in 2011 as Wright has racked up 941 tackles, 11 forced fumbles, and six interceptions. He is also a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowler.
His age is certainly a factor in his lack of a signing so far this offseason, but with camps starting this month, teams will start dialing up numbers to get extra bodies into the building. Wright is the exact type of veteran leader that the Vikings need in the middle of the defense in case of emergency.