5 former Vikings players the team could bring back in 2023

Former Viking No. 1

Linval Joseph - DT

One of the weakest areas on the 2023 Vikings is their defensive line. There isn't an elite player at nose tackle or defensive end, and they'll be hoping a second-year player like Khyiris Tonga can make a massive leap in his second season with the team.

This unit could use a veteran presence and why shouldn't that come in the form of former Viking Linval "The Big Goon" Joseph?

The Vikings made a mistake when they let Linval go in favor of the younger Michael Pierce a few years ago. Pierce couldn't stay healthy, and during his eight-game tenure with the team, he had just 20 tackles and 3 sacks.

Joseph, on the other hand, went to the Los Angeles Chargers and continued to play at a high level starting 28 games and racking up 119 total tackles.

He joined the Philadelphia Eagles mid-season in 2022 and still accumulated 20 tackles and half a sack. It would make sense for Minnesota to bring in the veteran prior to camp.

He can come in and mentor young players like the aforementioned Tonga, and he could also give knowledge to young players like Esezi Otomewo, Jaquelin Roy, and Calvin Avery.

Not only would he provide veteran leadership, but there's a chance he could even earn a spot on the roster. Joseph's days of being a full-time starter are long over, but he could still provide value working as part of a rotation, seeing a handful of snaps a game.

The Big Goon has proven that even at age 34, he still has plenty left in the tank, and he can provide value to a team.