7 free-agent defensive ends the Vikings could sign in 2022

The Minnesota Vikings need to improve their defensive line this offseason. Who are seven defensive ends they could target in free agency?

The Minnesota Vikings have a new general manager, head coach, and coaching staff. Those new faces will bring not just a change in leadership, but also a change in philosophies.

The Vikings offense will be very similar to what the Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams ran, and the defense will be switching to a 3-4 front under the leadership of Ed Donatell.

Minnesota will look very different in 2022, especially on defense. There may be a lot of players who don’t fit the new system, and they will either need to adapt or will end up being let go.

The Vikings had a need at defensive end prior to the scheme switch, but now they need a different type of player altogether.

In Minnesota’s old 4-3 defense, the defensive ends were the primary pass rushers. It was their job to pressure the quarterback, and the best ones could do that while also being a force against the run. These players were usually lean and athletic with long arms that seemed to go on forever.

The role of a defensive end in a 3-4 is a bit different. These guys are a little more stoutly built and their primary job is to shut down the run. They can also provide some pass rush, but keeping contain and taking away the outside from ball carriers is their primary focus.

Keeping that in mind, here are seven defensive ends the Vikings could sign in free agency this year.