6 first-year Vikings who could be gone in 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 24: Duke Shelley #20 of the Minnesota Vikings on field between plays in the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 24: Duke Shelley #20 of the Minnesota Vikings on field between plays in the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Jonathan Bullard

Jonathan Bullard, defensive line

The Minnesota Vikings struggled in the trenches this season and there will be some very difficult decisions will need to be made. Among those who will need to be evaluated for a possible contract is defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard.

Bullard was on a year-year deal worth  $1,035,000 and saw action in a dozen games while starting two contests. Unless the Vikings feel he is ready for a more substantial role with the defense.

He registered 23 combined tackles on the year with one quarterback hit. Teams gashed Minnesota on the ground last season and finding some anchors to slow down the opposition will likely be a priority.

Unless Bullard returns at close to the league minimum salary, a team might show interest in an experienced defender like Bullard who is still under 40 years old. It will be interesting to see how the team evaluates him.

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