It is hard to fathom the string of luck for the Minnesota Vikings. This team constantly puts their fans on a roller coaster of emotions full of some highs but mostly lows. From the Blair Walsh miss to the Minnesota Miracle to getting blown out in the NFC Championship game, the Vikings are as unpredictable as they come.
A 13-3 season ended with a 38-7 beat down at the hands of Philadelphia just a year ago. Case Keenum was on the move and the team was in search of their savior. They found him in Kirk Cousins to the tune of $84 million guaranteed. Cousins finished 8-7-1 and failed to come out on top in another win-and-in game, something he failed at many times in Washington.
Cousins finished the season as the most criticized player in the NFL. It is easy to point fingers at the quarterback but the rest of the under achieving team can't get a pass. The Vikings defense, especially their secondary, took a huge step back. Their offensive line was mediocre which made things difficult for Cousins. This is a team with above average talent at the skill positions led by Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook. There could be a quick fix in Minnesota but it is a must that Rick Spielman and his crew nail this free agency.
Bryce Callahan
Callahan has spent the past four season in Chicago so the Vikings have had a chance to get a good look at him. He has played 45 games in four years and has two interceptions in each of the past two seasons. Playing on this Bears' defense, he has learned a thing or two about how to defend receivers in the NFL.
The Vikings locked up Xavier Rhodes through 2022. They went onto draft Mike Hughes late in the first round of the 2018 draft so there desire for a second shut down corner is transparent. Hughes was selected in hopes that he would turn into that number two option. He possess a skill set that is based on athleticism and explosiveness.
Hughes tore his ACL in a mid-October game against the Cardinals and missed the remainder of the season. His availability for 2019 is up in the air but it would behoove the Vikings to have a back-up plan in case the UCF product is not ready.
Ty Nsekhe
Nsekhe spent the last four seasons in Washington serving as a back-up. He is a physical freak at 6'8, 330 pounds and would not serve as a back-up on most teams. Trent Williams and Morgan Moses locked up the tackle positions in D.C. Nsekhe got his fair share of playing time over the past two seasons thanks to a myriad of injuries along the Redskins' offensive line. He started 16 games over four seasons but that should not turn the Vikings off.
When it comes to tackles, there is no better than Williams and Nsekhe had the luxury of learning from him over four years. Nsekhe is 33-years old and experienced knee problems this season. The Vikings have had problems along the offensive line at all positions except center. With the money Cousins is making, Nsekhe is a cheap fit that could play quality snaps for a team looking to return to greatness.
K.J. Wright
Wright missed significant time this year with a knee injury. The 29-year old has been a staple on that Seattle defense since 2011 but his future there is uncertain. Anthony Barr did not have a season the Vikings are used to and it is cause for concern in Minnesota. The Vikings rode their defense to the NFC title game just a year ago and they need to return to form quick if they want to compete with the Bears.
Wright racked up over 100 tackles in each season from 2014-2017 and proved to be a ball magnet. Throughout his tenure in Seattle, Wright has been the most underrated. The Seahawks have taken care of guys before him and let the others walk. Wright has expressed his feelings on not letting that happen. He wants to remain in a Seahawk uniform but it is uncertain what they will do with him coming off an injury. If he hits free agency, this is a guy that the Vikings should take a flier on for the upcoming season.
Ha Ha Clinton Dix
This Alabama product was viewed as a can't miss prospect coming into the NFL. He was selected by the Packers and spent four and a half productive seasons in Green Bay. He was traded to the Redskins at the deadline to pair with D.J. Swearinger. It was not a match made in heaven for either side. Clinton Dix showed inability to cover and consistently took poor routes to ball carriers. He spent nine games in Washington and with the state of their coaching staff, Clinton Dix's poor play should be taken with a grain of salt.
Andrew Sendejo has missed time with injuries which opened the door for Anthony Harris. Harris did not start much for Minnesota but was highly rated when he did. The Vikings have arguable the best safety in the game in Harrison Smith but could use depth at the position. There is no guarantee of Harris over the course of a full season. Clinton Dix can provide depth and experience for this secondary.
Rodger Saffold
Saffold is a nine-year vet that had the pleasure of blocking for Todd Gurley this season in Los Angeles. He could become comfortable very quickly blocking for Cook in Minnesota. The Vikings issues on offensive line does not stop at the tackle position, it spread inside as well to guard. Cousins is a quarterback who can make any throw but he needs time for his receivers to get down field. Saffold can be a quick fix there.
He has expressed his interest in staying with the Rams. Saffold has played around with the idea of taking a discount to stay with the Rams because of the culture. But the Vikings are a team that is ready to win now and could lure Saffold to Minnesota with a little more money.
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