Several members of the 2023 Minnesota Vikings roster are looking to make a deal in free agency. Unless those individuals can work out a deal to extend their NFL careers, they may need to consider hanging up their cleats.
The NFL is a brutal business. Any of several factors can keep a player from finding a role on a team's roster. However, three Vikings players were on the roster last season who may find themselves needing to make a tough decision.
Age, injuries, performance, or other factors can make a high-potential free agent need to settle for a deal worth well less than their actual value or pivot and try to find an activity to keep them and their families comfortable.
3 Minnesota Vikings free agents who could be forced into retirement
Anthony Barr - LB
A former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, Anthony Barr is a four-time Pro Bowl defender. Despite his accomplishments, Barr is 32 years old and only has one sack in his last two seasons with the Cowboys and Vikings.
Barr was an exciting, athletic linebacker for Minnesota for many years, but his career may be winding down. At this point, the former UCLA standout could get some attention after the 2024 NFL season when teams attempt to fill out their rosters.
Otherwise, he may have to call Subway to see if he can get another commercial with Robert Griffin III and Justin Tuck. Either way, it's all good as long as we don't get another horrifying Barr bust made out of Subway food.
Chris Reed - OL
Chris Reed will be 32 years old when the 2024 NFL season rolls around and started only one game for the Vikings in the last two seasons. Despite the struggles Minnesota had on the interior of their offensive line in 2022, he couldn't work his way into a regular role and played in seven games.
His workload decreased last season, seeing action in only two games. His eight years of experience could help him to find a backup role in the league or he could opt to explore other options for a future career path.
Cam Akers - RB
Make no mistake, Cam Akers provided a spark for the Vikings when he arrived in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams, but his season ended when he suffered a torn Achilles. That is a tough injury to bounce back from.
The crazy thing is that Akers has overcome an Achilles tear before. In 2021, he sustained the injury while preparing for training camp. He also has suffered separated ribs, a high-ankle sprain, and a shoulder injury in his NFL career. We're rooting for him to make a full recovery and return to the field, but it is understandable if that doesn't happen.