PFF's proposed 'last offseason move' for Vikings makes perfect sense

The Minnesota Vikings proved last Friday that they're not finished shaking up their roster before the 2023 season as they traded Za'Darius Smith and two future late-round picks to the Browns in exchange for two future fifth-round draft choices.

The move allows Marcus Davenport to step into more prominent roles after he was signed to a one-year, $13 million contract in free agency.

In terms of the offensive side of the ball, though, the Vikings are poised to make a significant change in the form of Dalvin Cook. It's widely expected Minnesota will trade Cook after June 1. Releasing Cook seemingly would be the next order of operations if they can't find a trade partner.

While Cook remains the center of attention, the Vikings should be leaving no stone unturned as far as improving other areas of the roster.

There's still ample talent hanging around in free agency. While the secondary could use some reinforcements, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus pegged offensive guard Oday Aboushi as Minnesota's ideal "one last offseason move."

PFF wisely wants the Vikings to sign OL Oday Aboushi

ESPN's Mike Clay believes ranked the Vikings offensive line as the seventh-best in the league following the NFL Draft. That might be a little generous, but Minny has two stud tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neil, a serviceable left guard in Ezra Cleveland and an improving center in Garrett Bradbury.

Ed Ingram, however, is a liability at right guard. Per PFF, Ingram's 44.4 pass-blocking grade ranked 66th out of 71 guards who logged at least 250 pass-blocking snaps. To put some perspective on his struggles in pass protection, he allowed 58 pressures, 18 quarterback hits and 11 sacks, which was the most of any guard.

That's why signing Aboushi makes perfect sense.

A former fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2014, Aboushi has played all over the offensive line in his career, logging snaps at right tackle and both guard positions. He's largely played guard over the last three seasons, however, including all 339 snaps at right guard last season with the Rams.

Per Spielberger, "Aboushi has three straight seasons earning grades above 65.0, with grades of at least 60.0 as a pass blocker and a run blocker each year." What more can you ask for from a backup guard?

While Aboushi and Kevin O'Connell never crossed paths in Los Angeles, it stands to reason O'Connell would welcome the idea of signing a former Sean McVay player.

Who knows? If Ingram's struggles linger in year two, Aboushi could step in and perhaps offer more stability in the trenches as a starter. This is something the Vikings absolutely should consider once the Cook conundrum is sorted out.