It has been three months since the legal tampering of free agents started and plenty of talent is still available on the market. The Minnesota Vikings are in a unique situation where they feel they can still compete at a high level even though there are holes to be filled within the roster to compete against the best this year. According to Overthecap.com, the Minnesota Vikings have roughly $17.8 million in available cap space since the release of veterans Eric Kendrick and Dalvin Cook. Therefore, let’s look at three potential players that the Vikings could sign that can help them win now and finally help bring home a Lombardi Trophy.
Sign a Pass Rusher
The First player that the Vikings could sign for is a cheap prove-it deal and is very familiar with the team. Although the culture has changed, I believe that Yannick Ngakoue can come in and be a valuable asset to this new young team. Ngakoue is a 28-year-old sack artist from the University of Maryland. He’s primarily played as a defensive end and has been a journeyman since he was traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Vikings back in 2020.
He’s been on the Ravens, Raiders, and last year with the Colts since he’s worn the Purple and Gold. Even with his lack of ability to stop the run, he’s still a factor against the pass, racking up ten sacks in 2021 and 9.5 sacks in 2022, respectfully. With this current situation and the fact that he hasn’t been able to find a permanent home, even for a 28-year-old pass rusher, it would be hard for Ngakoue to get anything more than vet minimum at this point of his career.
Former Vikings DE Yannick Ngakoue (91) – AP Photo/David Berding
Since trading Za’Darius Smith to the Browns on May 16, 2023, and Danielle Hunter rumored to be skipping out on mandatory minicamp, it is safe to say that the Minnesota Vikings are looking extremely thin at the outside linebacker position. Bringing in Ngakoue doesn’t solve the position for the long-term; however, signing a veteran who can get after the quarterback on pivotal 3rd downs can help this young defensive unit tremendously. This unit last year struggled against the pass and was ranked 31st, according to ESPN rankings. Under new Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, Ngakoue can really strive and make this defensive pass rush respectable again.
Sign a Starting Caliber Guard
Dalton Risner is the second player the Minnesota Vikings could sign that would help improve the team. Risner is a four-year starter out of Kansas State, drafted in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL draft. Risner is seen as an above-average left guard that is very solid against the pass. Risner allowed only three sacks and was only penalized once during the entire 2022 league year while playing for the Denver Broncos. The 6’5, 312lbs offensive guard could help bolster this Vikings offense of line that has been struggling to keep Kirk Cousins upright ever since coming to Minnesota in 2018.
Former Broncos LG Dalton Risner (66) – G Fiume/GettyImages
Risner has been seen as one of the top 50 available free agents this off-season, and many are shocked to see him still available three months after legal tampering was allowed. If signed, Risner would probably be asked to switch over from his traditional left guard spot and take over the right guard position that is currently held by 2nd-year player Ed Ingram. Ingram was the 59th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft; however, he has struggled his first year in the NFL, having four penalties called on him and allowing a league-high 11 sacks, according to PFF.
Although Ingram seems to be locked in as the starting right guard going into his second season with the Vikings, a Dalton Risner signing could strengthen this Viking’s offensive line, which is already considered one of the better offensive lines in the league. With Risner being considered one of the better guards coming into free agency and given his age, Risner would be asking for a long-term deal worth $10 million a year or more. Something the Vikings could afford, but the question is, would they be willing to sign and pay a proven guard that kind of money when core players such as Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson’s new contracts are approaching?
Sign a Run Stuffer
Lastly, a player that the Vikings could sign at a discount and can contribute right away is a player that is an intelligent run defender by the name of Shelby Harris. Harris was a seventh-round draft pick by the Raiders back in 2014 and has made a career playing for Denver and Seattle being a menace in the opponent’s backfield. Harris was released back in March as a cap casualty but was a solid contributor to the Seahawk’s defense last year and had an overall grade of 73.2, according to PFF.
Former Seahawks DT Shelby Harris (93)- Steph Chambers/Getty Images
The soon to be 32 year old could come in and start right away, taking over the defensive end position previously held by Dalvin Tomlinson, who signed with the Browns in March. Losing Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency was an enormous blow to the Vikings’ defense, which struggled at times to stop the run against even mediocre opponents last year.
The Vikings are looking thin at the defensive end, with Dean Lowry and Harrison Phillips holding the current starting positions with backups James Lynch and Ross Blacklock. By signing Harris, the Minnesota Vikings would solidify a run defense that was lackluster at times last season. At this point of his career, Harris would be a vet minimum player that can come in and start right away. The Minnesota Vikings would be making a splash in signing Harris given his production and price.
