4 biggest things we’ve learned about the Vikings new regime this offseason

They have a “type” of player

The Vikings didn’t sit on their laurels and watch other teams get better just because they were cash-strapped. They went out and signed some players, especially a couple who could really benefit the defense.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah comes from an analytics background and his first couple of signings definitely backed up that Moneyball mentality that he’s been linked to. He found deals that first day of free agency and got some good players at a great value.

He was able to sign defensive tackle Harrison Phillips to be the team’s new nose tackle. Phillips is a young player, only 26-years-old, who was a part-time starter for the Buffalo Bills. He’s got the potential to be an impact player, and his best football could be ahead of him. He came in at a cap-friendly number of $19.5 million over three years.

Minnesota was also able to sign linebacker Jordan Hicks. Hicks is 29-years-old, and playing at a very high level. He’s been extremely productive the last couple of years, racking up nearly 400 tackles over the last three seasons. He cost the team just $10 million over two years with a very friendly cap hit.

The Vikings also recently signed outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith. He was a bit more than the aforementioned two, but he fits the mold of being in his 20s, and while his average salary is more than $12 million per season, his impact could make that look like a steal.

So after the first two weeks of free agency, we have a better understanding of the type of player that Adofo-Mensah may target in the future, and that is one who is still fairly young, coming off their first or second contract and is producing at a high level.