5 free agents the Vikings should aggressively pursue in 2023
By Dean Jones
Which free agents should the Minnesota Vikings aggressively pursue in 2023?
After an early playoff exit that many anticipated despite the Minnesota Vikings securing 13 regular-season wins, some huge decisions await the organization this offseason. Contract issues, salary-cap sacrifices, and everything in between is sure to be discussed by those in power as they look to make further strides in the second year under Kevin O’Connell.
Perhaps a 13-4 record – which was far greater than most analysts protected in O’Connell’s first season – gave the Vikings some delusions of grandeur. They were exposed in no uncertain terms against the New York Giants on home soil, and this should leave no doubt as to how much work is ahead.
The Vikings aren’t blessed with a significant amount of cap space currently. Although that could change with contract restructures and early releases before the free-agent frenzy gets underway.
Looking ahead to one of the NFL’s most exciting periods, here are five free agents Minnesota should aggressively pursue in 2023.
Free Agent No. 1
Deshon Elliott – S
The Vikings’ defense needs assistance at all three levels. Although Harrison Smith is still playing at a high level, he’s getting to the age where assistance on the backend is needed to prolong the player’s career.
Minnesota has Lewis Cine to come back from injury, which should help. Acquiring Deshon Elliot from the Detroit Lions would be another worthy move that could weaken an NFC North rival to further sweeten the pot.
Elliott’s hard-hitting and improvements in coverage should earn him a decent payday in Detroit or elsewhere. If he does hit the market, this is an option worth keeping an eye on.