6 free-agent defensive linemen the Vikings could sign in 2024
By Ben Donahue
When the new league year begins in March, who are some of the free-agent defensive linemen the Minnesota Vikings could attempt to sign?
In 2023, the Minnesota Vikings defense improved overall as a unit from 2022.
According to Fox Sports, Minnesota ended 2023 with the NFL’s 16th-best unit in total defense. That’s a big jump from the Vikings’ 30th overall finish in 2022.
Minnesota's defensive line did well enough this past season to hold opponents to just 98.7 rushing yards per game, which ranked eighth in the league.
Where the Vikings defense struggled in 2023 was in third-down defense (26th) and sacks (20th).
Although Minnesota's defense did improve this past season, the unit still needs to make adjustments to the roster to jump into the top 10 in the NFL in 2024. The Vikings' defensive line, in particular, at times lacked a consistent pass rush and gave up too many big plays.
Defensive lineman Harrison Phillips played well in his second season in Minnesota, getting career-highs in combined tackles (92) and sacks (three).
Phillips' fellow 2023 defensive linemates Sheldon Day, James Lynch, and Khyiris Tonga are free agents this year.
With this being the case, it would be worth it for the Vikings to take a long look at the list of available defensive linemen in free agency this offseason and consider signing one or more to improve some of their low defensive rankings.
Let's take a look at some of the free-agent defensive linemen Minnesota could sign later this year.