6 Vikings who could be looking for a new home in 2022

Michael Pierce – DT

After sitting out the entire 2020 season due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, many were definitely interested to see what Michael Pierce could add to the middle of the Vikings defensive line this year.

Pierce’s 2021 campaign got off to a great start with seven tackles (two for a loss) and two sacks in Minnesota’s first game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, however, the veteran defensive tackle has just two tackles and no sacks in three appearances.

Pierce has been dealing with an elbow injury for the last few weeks and he was recently placed on injured reserve. So the earliest the Vikings could have him back on the field would be Week 13 when they head on the road to take on the Detroit Lions.

Pierce has a cap hit of almost $11 million in 2022, and at this point in the current season, one could easily make the case that keeping him around next year isn’t worth it for the Vikings.

Minnesota can release him after this season and save $6.5 million, which is something they will probably put a lot of thought into since they will be looking to find ways to create more cap space next year.