3 remaining free agents the Vikings could still sign in the 2024 offseason
By Adam Patrick
DJ Chark - WR
2023 Team: Carolina Panthers
With 11 wide receivers currently under contract, the Vikings are certainly not in desperate need of adding another pass-catcher to their 2024 roster. However, DJ Chark is someone who would be an upgrade over a number of the other receivers who are currently with Minnesota.
After spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chark was a member of the Detroit Lions in 2022, and during the 2023 campaign, he appeared in 15 games with the Carolina Panthers.
In his last two seasons in the league, Chark has caught a total of eight touchdowns while averaging more than 30 receptions and 500 yards per year. Obviously, he hasn't been putting up mind-blowing stats recently, but at 27-years-old, he should still have plenty to offer a team like the Vikings.
With K.J. Osborn recently signing with the New England Patriots, it would be wise for Minnesota to consider adding another veteran wide receiver to their roster this offseason.
Chark is already very familiar with current Vikings receivers coach Keenan McCardell, as the two worked together when they were both in Jacksonville. So the former Panthers pass-catcher seems like someone who Minnesota could at least think about signing this year.
Cody Whitehair - G/C
2023 Team: Chicago Bears
For Cody Whitehair, the 2023 season is probably one that he would like to forget. Whitehair finished with the lowest overall offensive grade from PFF in his entire career in 2023, and it ultimately led to the Bears deciding to part with him earlier this year before his contract had officially expired.
Despite his struggles last season, Whitehair has been a solid interior offensive lineman for the majority of his NFL career. During his eight years with Chicago, he spent time as both a center and an offensive guard.
With Dalton Risner still unsigned, the Vikings need to find some to fill the starting left guard spot on their roster before the start of next season. Whitehair could be that guy, and with his past experience at the center position, he would also be able to provide depth behind current Minnesota starting center Garrett Bradbury.
Will the Vikings be able to look past Whitehair's struggles in 2023 and decide to sign him sooner rather than later, or will they choose a different path to add more interior offensive line depth to their roster this offseason?