7 free-agent inside linebackers the Vikings could sign in 2022

Christian Kirksey

2021 Team: Houston Texans

Finally, if the Vikings want a veteran in the locker room, Christian Kirksey is once again available to help out. After spending six seasons with the Browns to begin his career, Kirksey has bounced around to the Packers and Texans in the last two offseasons. Regardless of where he plays, Kirksey makes his presence felt.

He recorded 93 tackles in 13 games with the Texans in 2021 after putting up 77 tackles in 11 games with Green Bay the season prior. His age has caught up to him a bit, which is expected at the linebacker position – and part of the reason why the Vikings should consider moving on from Eric Kendricks.

Kirksey was a star in his younger days, putting together 286 tackles (17 for a loss), six sacks, and two forced fumbles between 2016 and 2017. While he is not going to have that sort of impact at this stage in his career, it does show that he is determined to find the ball and he always gets involved in the mess of bodies.

The Vikings do not need another superstar in the middle of their defense, but from the sounds of it after this offseason, they need a leader in the group.

Kirksey was a captain for two seasons at Iowa before heading to the NFL. He was also named a team captain for the Browns from 2017 to 2019 and was again made a captain in his only season with the Texans in 2021.

The Vikings need someone that can step up and be the vocal leader in the locker room. Christian Kirksey has been no stranger to that role and he would be a welcomed addition as the Vikings search for a coaching change.