4 most underrated moves the Vikings made in the 2023 offseason
By Adam Carlson
The most underrated Minnesota Vikings moves this offseason
Minnesota Vikings sign Marcus Davenport
Many eyebrows were raised when the Minnesota Vikings signed former New Orleans Saints edge rusher Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal worth $13 million this offseason but the reasoning for the signing is sound.
When former Packers defender Za'Darius Smith expressed his desire to no longer be a member of the Vikings going forward, the team prepared themselves by making the pass rush a priority in free agency.
It's a shame that Smith couldn't return to the team for 2023 since he seemed to be happy when he arrived. Now, his talents will be used in Cleveland where he should pair well with Myles Garrett if he can remain healthy.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are kicking the tires on a pass rusher who has flashed on occasion to see if he can be productive and earn a long-term deal while not spending a top draft pick on a player at that position in this year's draft.
The most underrated Minnesota Vikings moves this offseason
Jordan Hicks sticks with Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings moved on from Eric Kendricks this offseason but found a way to keep fellow inside linebacker Jordan Hicks to keep some kind of continuity in the middle of the team's defense instead of having two new starters there.
After a contract adjustment, Hicks is set to only count for $5 million against the salary cap. This is a good value for a Minnesota team that needs to spend and invest their money in other places in order to plan for the future.
Hicks was second in tackles for the Vikings last season, trailing fellow linebacker Eric Kendricks by only eight takedowns. He had three sacks compared to only one for Kendricks and had ten pass defenses including one interception last season.
Hicks is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024 but he will be able to help Brian Asamoah and the other young linebackers as they continue to gain experience to prepare to take over the position in the future.