3 free agents the Vikings can sign to help save their 2023 season
By Ben Donahue
The Minnesota Vikings are 0-2 and facing an uphill climb to start the 2023 season. Who are a few free agents that could help the Vikings get back on track?
After two weeks, the Minnesota Vikings are 0-2 and sinking fast. The run game is nonexistent, injuries plague the offensive line, opponents have gouged the Vikes' run defense, and it seems like every ball carrier has fumbled at least once.
Minnesota’s schedule doesn’t get any easier with upcoming games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers. If the Vikings can’t fix what ails them soon, things will only get worse.
For that reason, it might be time to bring in some more free agents (besides Dalton Risner) who can help the team and add depth at key positions.
Here are three potential free agents Minnesota should sign to help save their season.
Free Agent No. 1
Leonard Fournette - RB
The former 2017 first-round pick was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on St. Patrick’s Day this year. Leonard Fournette spent the past three years with the Bucs and joined quarterback Tom Brady in helping the franchise win Super Bowl LV in February 2021.
During that Super Bowl contest, the running back accounted for 89 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with four receptions for 46 yards. With his score in the Super Bowl, Fournette became just the third player in NFL history to collect touchdowns in four playoff games in a single postseason.
Before signing with Tampa in 2020, Fournette played three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville selected Fournette with the fourth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft after an All-American and All-SEC career at LSU.
He then rushed for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season. Fournette ran for 1,152 yards in 2019 and also snagged a career-high 76 receptions that year.
Fournette brings veteran experience and, most importantly for Minnesota, Super Bowl experience. A dual threat as a runner and receiver, he’s only 28-years-old and can provide a reliable set of legs alongside Alexander Mattison.