7 cheap free agents that make sense for the Vikings in 2023
By Darcy Weiss
Shaq Lawson – DE/OLB
2022 Team: Buffalo Bills
With both Dalvin Tomlinson and Jonathan Bullard unsigned for the 2023 season, the depth of the Vikings’ defensive line is thin at the moment.
Harrison Phillips, Khyiris Tonga, James Lynch, Esezi Otomewu, and Ross Blacklock are an unspectacular but solid enough group. However, Tomlinson will be a significant hole to fill if Minnesota doesn’t bring him back.
If the Vikings elect not to sign another above-average starter, Shaq Lawson could be a veteran option instead as either a defensive lineman or an edge rusher.
Not known as much of a run stopper, the former Dolphins and Bills defender has played in 93 career games, racking up 25 sacks and 70 quarterback hits during his time in the league.
Since getting pressure on opposing teams’ quarterbacks was a huge problem for Minnesota in 2022 (which may have been more of a scheme issue than a talent issue), Lawson could be an inexpensive source of penetration between the tackles.
Over The Cap has Lawson valued at $2.4 million, which is affordable and could be a solid option. Other free-agent defensive line options for the Vikings could include Trey Flowers, who has had a strong eight-year career but has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, and Jerry Tillery, who has experience but is inconsistent.