8 cheap free agents that make sense for the Vikings in 2022
By Adam Carlson
Keanu Neal, linebacker/safety
The Minnesota Vikings are pretty set at safety for now. The combination of Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum should be the starters but they could still use help getting a linebacker who can also drop back into coverage.
Keanu Neal dealt with chest and elbow injuries that limited him with the Cowboys last season and still finished with 72 combined tackles and one sack in 14 games played (five starts). He made a $4M single-year contract last year, but could be in line to be signed for less this year, especially if it’s the right situation for him.
Minnesota is losing Anthony Barr and has no obvious starting linebackers other than Eric Kendricks this year. Since the team has stated they will be using a hybrid scheme with both 4-3 and 3-4 looks, getting some capable linebackers in the mix seems like a wise move.
If not Neal, there are some other inexpensive linebacker options out there for versatile players who are physical and can cover when asked to, but having someone of his ability and experience would be a good get for Minnesota.