The Minnesota Vikings failed to make the NFL Playoffs for the second consecutive season in 2021, finishing the year at 8-9 and missing out on the Wild Card. The team made the decision to part ways with longtime head coach Mike Zimmer after eight years at the helm, opening the door for the franchise to start fresh. With Zimmer out, the Vikings will look to lock down a new head coach, and then get to work on improving the roster via free agency. With plenty of areas in need of reinforcements, the Vikings could look to add some quality depth pieces rather than go for a home-run signing. Kirk Cousins is in the final year of his contract, but he's due to make a whopping $35 million in base salary while carrying a $45 million cap hit. Whether or not Cousins is the future in Minnesota, it seems unlikely the team would part ways with him at that cost. With that in mind, here are a few players the Vikings may be in on this offseason during NFL free agency.
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Vikings Free Agent Targets for 2022 NFL Offseason
3. Melvin Ingram, EDGE
After requesting a midseason trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Melvin Ingram became a key component of Kansas City's second-half defensive resurgence. He was acquired by the Chiefs at a bargain price, especially when you consider the impact he's had since arriving in KC. Well, Ingram is expected to hit free agency once again in 2022, and the Vikings could be a realistic landing spot for him.
Of course, the Vikings will first need to make a decision on Danielle Hunter's future with the team. Hunter has spent more time off the field than on it over the past two seasons and is due to make more than $18 million in 2022. If the team elects against bringing Hunter back into the fold, the need for a top EDGE rusher will be even more prevalent. Ingram doesn't figure to earn as much as some of the top players at his position, but he could prove to be an incredible value signing for the Vikings, who don't figure to have much cap space this offseason.
2. Morgan Moses, OT
If the Vikings do intend to roll with Kirk Cousins at quarterback in 2022, they'll want to get him some additional protection. Morgan Moses could be an ideal fit for the Vikings' offensive line, after turning in a solid campaign with the New York Jets. Moses was playing on a team-friendly deal in 2022 and likely won't cost the Vikings a lot to bring him aboard this offseason.
He was active in all 17 games for the Jets this season, and enjoyed a clean bill of health throughout his tenure in Washington. Across eight years in the pros, Moses hasn't missed a game since his rookie year, featuring in each of the last 113 games for New York and Washington. Moses' ability to stay healthy will definitely benefit whatever team ends up signing him, and the Vikings should absolutely be at the forefront of his market considering the low price tag he'll likely demand on the open market. It never hurts to buff up the O-line, and adding Moses would be a great way for the Vikings to do just that while remaining flexible on the open market.
1. Kyle Fuller, Cornerback
With Patrick Peterson set to his free agency, the Vikings could look to the open market to address the hole in their secondary. Of course, the option to bring Peterson back always remains, but if the Vikings elect to look elsewhere, Kyle Fuller could be an intriguing option. Fuller has plenty of experience patrolling the secondary in the NFC North, having spent the first six years of his career with the Chicago Bears. Fuller hasn't been able to replicate his success from the 2018 and 2019 seasons, but he's still a solid veteran presence in the secondary. Fuller's 2021 season with the Broncos wasn't a big success, but that could stand to lower his price tag for the Vikings to make a play for him in 2022. Throughout his NFL career, Fuller has 19 interceptions, 86 pass defenses, and 441 tackles, so he could provide some leadership for the Vikings' defense, especially if Peterson doesn't return to town.
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