4 free agents the Vikings could sign before 2023 training camp
By Adam Carlson
Free agent No. 1
Pat Elflein, interior offensive line
I know what a lot of people might be thinking. Yes, Pat Elflein has already had opportunities to succeed with the Minnesota Vikings as a third-round draft pick by the purple and gold during the 2017 NFL Draft.
He never achieved the potential he showed while at Ohio State, but he has amassed 64 starts in 65 games played for the Vikings, Jets, and Panthers during his six years in the NFL, but is a capable blocker who has been sitting in free agency for a while.
Even if Elflein isn't put into a honest competition for a starting role this season, having a player who can be counted on as a backup at center or guard might be wise considering the struggles of that unit last season.
A salary cap casualty this season, Elflein was cut by the Panthers with a penalty of over $2.8 million. That does mean that he may be willing to take a little less than normal on a one-year deal for a prove-it type of opportunity.