Nothing has changed since the last time I took a swing at the Minnesota Vikings soon-to-be free agents except perhaps my views on them. Here are the 22 players currently set to become free agents on March 9.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Matt Kalil, tackle
Andre Smith, tackle
Jake Long, tackle
Rhett Ellison, tight end
Cordarrelle Patterson, wide receiver
Zach Line, fullback
Matt Asiata, running back
Shaun Hill, quarterback
Justin Trattou, defensive end
Chad Greenway, linebacker
Audie Cole, linebacker
Captain Munnerlyn, cornerback
Terence Newman, cornerback
Jeff Locke, punter
Matt Kalil, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Rhett Ellison are the players that I consider to be the closest to be must-signs of the unrestricted free agents. Kalil has been underwhelming since his excellent 2012 rookie season. He's been, at best, serviceable. A serviceable left tackle would've been a dream asset last season. The entire offensive line was terrible last year. The left tackle play was worse. By all accounts, Kalil was primed for a rebound season in 2016. Health-wise and technique/fundamental-wise he was in top form last summer. A hip injury derailed all of that before the season started and he was on the injury shelf by the second game. With an underwhelming free agent market for tackles, especially left tackles, bringing back Kalil on a 1- to 2-year "prove-it" deal would be a wise move. Cordarrelle Patterson and Rhett Ellison are unique football players that would be nice to have on the roster. Patterson is one of the most explosive athletes in the league. He might not be the most technically sound receiver but he can wreck a defense. He's earned a second contract because of what he's done as a kick returner and what he might do on offense. The one thing that might prevent his remaining in Minnesota would be if his explosive offensive potential prices him out of the Vikings plans. Ellison has always been a favorite of mine. He does many of the unseen things that allows his teammates to shine. Every football team needs a player like that. He's an excellent blocker and a sneaky, effective pass receiver. He adds a nice blend to the Vikings tight end group. It would be great to have Captain Munnerlyn back. He's one of the best nickel corners in the league. As such the Vikings might not be able to afford him. It would also be nice to have Terence Newman back. He's ageless. He will turn 39 before the 2017 starts. He's still an incredibly effective player and team leader. With his long experience in head coach Mike Zimmer's defense he's a coach on the field. If he decides against retiring I wouldn't be surprised if he returns. It remains to be seen how offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur views fullbacks. If he needs one for his vision of the Vikings offense Zach Line should be back. Matt Asiata, Audie Cole, and Jeff Locke will probably be back on modest deals.
Chad Greenway is one of the Vikings all-time greats. On and off the field. It would be a surprise if he doesn't announce his retirement at some point over the next two weeks. He's been a favorite of mine from the moment the Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Restricted Free Agents
Adam Thielen, wide receiver
Charles Johnson, wide receiver
Jeremiah Sirles, guard/tackle
Adam Thielen might be the Vikings' one must-sign free agent. The hope here is that he's signed to a long-term extension. At the very least, the Vikings will place a high tender on him and perhaps sign him to a longer deal at a later date. His progression from tryout player to offensive difference-maker has been inspiring and fun to watch. Everybody loves Adam Thielen. Charles Johnson and Jeremiah Sirles should be back to show what they got.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents
Zac Kerin, center/guard
Rashod Hill, tackle
Willie Beavers, guard/tackle
C.J. Ham, running back
Toby Johnson, defensive tackle
All of the above should be back. Rashod Hill showed some intriguing potential in about two quarters of play in the final game of the season against an indifferent Chicago Bears defense. That might not seem like much but it's a lot for an offensive line that struggled mightily all season.
In summation. At the very least, I hope that the Vikings manage new deals with the following free agents.
Matt Kalil
Cordarrelle Patterson
Rhett Ellison
Zach Line
Matt Asiata
Audie Cole
Adam Thielen
Charles Johnson
Jeremiah Sirles
Zac Kerin
Rashod Hill
Willie Beavers
C.J. Ham
Toby Johnson
The Kalil, Patterson, and Thielen contracts would probably be the only ones that amount to something more than modest.
The Vikings have stressed signing their own players before they entertain players from other teams. None of the above will break the bank so there should be a enough salary cap room to sign a new player or three. I'll deal with that free agent fun soon.
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