The frenzy of free agency is just under a month away. In advance of that frenzy, the Minnesota Vikings got some work done. The team signed a couple of their soon-to-be free agents.
Blake Brandel, OT
Khyiris Tonga, DL
Both have fewer than three accrued seasons in the league so both were exclusive rights free agents. As such, they could only negotiate with the Vikings and probably weren’t going anywhere. The team and players decided to get the deals done now. Both signed for a tick under a million. Both played well in 2022 and should be on the roster in 2023.
Blake Brandel played more in 2022 than anyone expected, or wanted. He closed out the Buffalo Bills game after left tackle Christian Darrisaw departed the game with a concussion. Brandel started the next three games and played well. He suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in one of his knees against the Detroit Lions in December and missed the rest of the regular season. He returned for the playoff game against the New York Giants.
Khyiris Tonga was one of a few fine in-season additions for the Vikings. He was plucked from the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons in early October. His role in the defensive line rotation increased with each game. By the end of the season, he was significant player in the Vikings defense, even starting the Week 16 win over the Giants.
Signing Blake Brandel and Khyiris Tonga were the easy pre-free agency work for the Vikings decision-makers. They now have decisions to make on 17 free agents. They are also significantly over the salary cap. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and friends have some work in front of them. Here are the Vikings 17 remaining free agents.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Dalvin Tomlinson, DL
Patrick Peterson, CB
Garrett Bradbury, C
Greg Joseph, K
Nick Mullens, QB
Chandon Sullivan, CB
Irv Smith Jr., TE
Jonathan Bullard, DL
Andrew DePaola, LS
Duke Shelley, CB
Austin Schlottman, C
Alexander Mattison, RB
Olisaemeka Udoh, OT
Kris Boyd, CB
Olabisi Johnson, WR
Restricted Free Agents
Ben Ellefson, TE
Kenny Willekes, DL
It’d be nice to bring back most of the free agents. Starting with Dalvin Tomlinson. He’s probably going to be the most pricey of the bunch. Patrick Peterson is needed as much for his leadership, in what is sure to be a very young cornerback room, as his play on the field. In my opinion, Andrew DePaola and Duke Shelley are the closest to must re-signs. Both should require modest contracts. Considering the Vikings current cap situation, no contract can be considered modest.
The Vikings have some work to do. Signing Blake Brandel and Khyiris Tonga are a start.
No comments:
Post a Comment