3 remaining free agents with a connection to the 2024 Vikings
By Adam Patrick
![Free-agent pass-rusher Emmanuel Ogbah Free-agent pass-rusher Emmanuel Ogbah](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3000,h_1687,x_0,y_147/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/63/01j2vs4fjyrcyjktehrw.jpg)
Training camp for the Minnesota Vikings is almost underway, and for the most part, the team's roster seems to be pretty set.
However, the Vikings could still be looking to add a player or two in the near future who could potentially help them when the 2024 regular season begins in September.
Of the players that are still available in free agency, who are a few guys that could end up with Minnesota based on a connection that they have to a current Vikings player or coach?
Remaining free agents with a connection to the 2024 Minnesota Vikings
Emmanuel Ogbah - Edge
2023 Team: Miami Dolphins
Connection to Vikings: Brian Flores
Yes, Minnesota did add Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and rookie Dallas Turner to its group of pass rushers earlier this offseason, but Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores likely wouldn't turn down the opportunity to work with Emmanuel Ogbah once again.
Flores and Ogbah worked together in 2020 and 2021 when Minnesota's current defensive coordinator was the head coach of the Dolphins. Coincidentally, the veteran pass rusher had arguably the two best single-season performances of his NFL career during his two years with Flores. In 2020 and 2021, Ogbah accumulated a combined 83 tackles (15 for a loss), 45 QB hits, and 18 sacks in 33 games with Miami.
With Van Ginkel's status for the start of the 2024 season still up in the air, as he continues to recover from a foot injury, it might be a good idea for the Vikings to consider adding another pass rusher to their roster like Ogbah who has already excelled in Flores's defensive scheme.
Connor McGovern - C/G
2023 Team: New York Jets
Connection to Vikings: Chris Kuper
Despite Minnesota continuing to roll with Garrett Bradbury as its starting center during the last two seasons, it never hurts to have some depth veteran behind him.
Currently, Bradbury's backups appear to be Dan Feeney, who has less than 20 starts at the center position in his NFL career, and rookie Michael Jurgens. Someone like Connor McGovern, who has started more than 70 contests at center since entering the league in 2017, might be a better option as a backup behind Bradbury for next season.
In 2023, McGovern started at center for the Jets seven times, and he allowed 18 pressures. Perhaps a reunion with Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper would get the veteran blocker back on track. Back in 2019, when both were members of the Denver Broncos, Kuper was able to help McGovern earn the best pass-blocking grade from PFF (82.5) of his entire career.
Lawrence Guy - IDL
2023 Team: New England Patriots
Connection to Vikings: Brian Flores
Harrison Phillips and Jerry Tillery will likely open the 2024 season as two of Minnesota's starting defensive linemen, but the depth behind them is full of question marks.
The Vikings are hoping second-year defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy will take a step in the right direction this year, and no one really knows what to expect from rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez. Some additional veteran experience in the middle of the defensive line is definitely something that could benefit Minnesota next season.
This is where Lawrence Guy possibly enters the picture. Guy was a starting defensive lineman for the New England Patriots for the last seven seasons, including the 2017 and 2018 campaigns when Brian Flores was on the team's defensive staff. His extensive experience (in the NFL since 2011) is something the Vikings could use to their advantage during the upcoming season.
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