3 veteran free agents the Vikings should sign before Week 1

Mitchell Schwartz – OT

The Vikings selected offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft in the hopes that he could protect the blindside of the team’s quarterback for years to come. However, that may not be the case for the start of the 2021 season anyway.

Darrisaw has been battling an injury throughout the offseason and has barely played throughout camp. The preseason would have been a brilliant time to assess where he was with his progress, but he did not play a snap.

This uncertainty of Darrisaw’s health and the timeline for his return leaves a gaping hole on the offensive line. Fortunately, there are still some options available for Minnesota at his position in free agency.

Veteran offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz is one that springs to mind. 2018 First-team All-Pro Schwartz missed the majority of last season with a back injury. Presuming health, Schwartz is an excellent player, that has the ability to start on either end of the offensive line.