7 free-agent defensive linemen the Vikings could sign in 2023
By Nik Edlund
Poona Ford
2022 Team: Seattle Seahawks
Poona Ford is a big beefy defensive tackle who actually provides much more to a defense than his big old body would make one believe. With his build, many would just assume Ford is a run stuffer who eats up blocks and clogs running lanes. While he can do that, he brings much more to the table.
Ford actually has an explosive first step and creates plenty of interior pressure. His career sack numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, as he has just seven in five seasons (though he played sparingly in his first year,) but he has 28 career tackles for a loss. This confirms that Ford spends plenty of time in opponents’ backfields, making plays that can turn the tide of a game.
Ford is probably an unlikely signing for the Vikings, as fun as it would be. He’s projected to make around $9 million a season, and the team already has Harrison Phillips and Khyiris Tonga at the nose tackle spot. Still, Ford can be used in various ways and makes sense in a Brian Flores‘ defensive front.