This week’s signing of Za’Darius Smith got me thinking of the best free agency signings that the Minnesota Vikings have ever made. Since the introduction of the NFL’s current free agency system in 1993, the Vikings have often taken a passive approach to adding expensive new players. It’s rare that they sign, let alone chase, the “big ticket” players that are available each year. Here’s a stab at ten of the Vikings best free agent signings. These are only unrestricted and restricted free agent signings so no Brett Favre, Randall Cunningham and other street free agents like them.
10. Za’Darius Smith, Edge
Za’Darius Smith has yet to take a snap for the Minnesota Vikings. I can’t keep him off of this list. The excitement over his signing is still so great. This time next year, I believe that he’ll have earned a spot in the top half.
9. Ben Leber, LB
Ben Leber was a consistently solid linebacker for the Vikings from 2006-10. He had a great knack for making big plays in crucial moments. The linebacker trio that Leber formed with Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson was one of the best in franchise history.
8. Ryan Longwell, K
A kicker! The only thing that keeps Ryan Longwell from being ranked higher is the position that he played. Longwell was an excellent kicker each of his six seasons in Minnesota. He's in the argument for best kicker in Vikings franchise history.
7. Chester Taylor, RB
Chester Taylor had an outstanding first season for the Vikings in 2006. He probably would have had several more in Minnesota if not for the surprising arrival of Adrian Peterson in the 2007 NFL Draft. Taylor's playing time was cut drastically but he remained an effective complimentary back to Peterson. The two formed an excellent combo.
6. Corey Chavous, S
Corey Chavous came to Minnesota as a corner in 2002 but really found his home with a switch to safety. His 2003 season was outstanding. That was the year in which he often seemed to be the only Vikings player on the field that had any interest in playing defense. He earned the only Pro Bowl nod of his career that season. Smart football player.
5. Pat Williams, DT
Defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams formed the "Williams Wall." No one ran on the "Williams Wall." It was remarkable to watch Pat Williams move short distances. He was so big but he got through the line so fast. He was a lot of fun to watch.
4. Linval Joseph, DT
Linval Joseph was a force in the middle of the Vikings defensive line from the moment he joined the team in 2014. In his six years in Minnesota, there were stretches of games in which he simply couldn't be blocked. The only knock on his play was the occasional injuries. When healthy, he was among the very best interior defensive linemen in the league.
3. Kirk Cousins, QB
Kirk Cousins has been sailing up this list. Statistically, each of Cousins’ four seasons in Minnesota are among the best passing seasons in Vikings franchise history. Unless he can lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl title it’ll never be enough. If nothing else, Cousins has brought consistency to football’s most important position. The Vikings have been seeking quarterbacking consistency since Fran Tarkenton’s last snap.
2. Antoine Winfield, CB
Antoine Winfield's signing in 2004 was the Vikings first true venture into big time free agency. They merely dabbled in the player market for the first ten years. They struck gold with Winfield. He played for the Vikings for nine years and was fantastic for nine years. He made it to three Pro Bowls. He should have been to more. It was a real treat to be witness to his football career. He won't get much Hall of Fame consideration but he's in my Hall of Fame. Winfield was a great, fun football player.
1. Steve Hutchinson, G
Steve Hutchinson might have been the team MVP in 2006. He quickly changed the level of play and attitude of the Vikings offensive line the moment he became a part of it. As a result he changed the entire offense. He was an outstanding football player for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. He’s a Hall of Famer and he’s the best Vikings free agent signing.
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The Minnesota Vikings have rarely gotten too involved in free agency. The Hutchinson, Winfield, and Cousins signings were the biggest but such signings have been rare in Minnesota. A low free agency profile is the norm. That's why 2006 was such a surprise. In Brad Childress' first season as head coach the Vikings really dove into free agency. Four players on this list were signed that year. Steve Hutchinson, Chester Taylor, Ryan Longwell, and Ben Leber. That offseason was a bonanza and Vikings fans were delirious. All four helped form the foundation of a team that improved each season. A team that ended up being a play away from the Super Bowl in 2009.
Za’Darius Smith isn’t the typical free agency signing. Among Vikings free agent additions over the past three decades, only Hutchinson arrived in Minnesota with more acclaim. I suppose Smith missing nearly all of last season to injury dulls his shine a bit. When he was last healthy, he was thrashing offenses in a Pro Bowl/All-Pro fashion. At 29, he’s still in his prime. He’s still one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the league. He’s one of the Vikings best free agent signings and he’s yet to play a snap for them. Here’s hoping that his play on the field moves him to the Hutchinson-Winfield level of this list.
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