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

Akiem Hicks

2021 Team: Chicago Bears

Akiem Hicks should be the Vikings’ primary target if they are going to bring in a free agent defensive end. They should make it a priority to sign him just so they don’t have to face him ever again. Hicks has simply been a Vikings killer in his time with the Bears, absolutely terrorizing their offensive line.

Hicks has played inside in his career, but for the most part, he has played defensive end. The guy has a crazy blend of size, speed, and power, and when he’s 100 percent engaged, he’s unstoppable.

His numbers speak for themselves. Hicks has racked up 40.5 career sacks and accumulated 387 total tackles. He would be ideal as an end in the Vikings’ new 3-4 who can first shut down the run, but also get after opposing quarterbacks.

The fit is perfect, but the cost could be an issue. Hicks is 32-years-old, which should drive down his costs, but the fact he can fit in a 3-4 or 4-3 front makes him more valuable.

There are plenty of teams, and specifically, ones who are in contention for a title, who would love to add Hicks to their defensive line. That could drive his price up to the point where the Vikings simply wouldn’t have the funds to make it work.

In a perfect world, the Vikings would be able to bring in this monster and turn one of their biggest blocking nightmares into one of their best defenders.