7 free-agent inside linebackers the Vikings could sign in 2022
By Luke Parrish
How can the Minnesota Vikings improve the middle of their defense in free agency?
The Minnesota Vikings are getting a bit of a facelift from the top down this offseason which was expected following a couple of down years. This change brings an entirely new coaching staff that features Ed Donatell and his blend of 3-4 and 4-3 defenses.
While his defense does use a bit of a 3-4 look, the Vikings will typically be in more of a nickel look regardless given the state of the NFL and the need to defend the pass. That said, Minnesota could benefit from adding depth and linebacker behind Eric Kendricks.
With Kendricks hitting age 30 this offseason along with Anthony Barr, the Vikings could soon face the reality of having a huge hole in the middle of their defense. The smart thing to do would be to address the issue before it becomes too late and the defense is right back to where it was in 2021.
Luckily for Minnesota, the 2022 crop of free agents offers a handful of talented linebackers that could start in Minnesota and several others that can be solid depth pieces. If they want to fill that gap before the NFL Draft in April, they could be aggressive in free agency.
Which upcoming free agents are candidates to fix the Vikings defense in 2022? Here are seven inside linebackers that can help do the trick.