Free agency has been a whirlwind for the Vikings and the official signing period doesn’t even begin until 3 p.m. Wednesday.
What’s been reported so far:
- Linebacker Anthony Barr spurned the Jets and will return to the Vikings
- D-tackle Sheldon Richardson is signing with the Browns.
- Right guard/tackle Mike Remmers was released.
- Safety Andrew Sendejo had his contract terminated.
- Safety Anthony Harris was tendered a contract option.
- Right tackle Rashod Hill was tendered a contract option.
- Running back Latavius Murray is headed to the Saints.
It’s been crazy, but none of the above moves do anything to fix Minnesota’s dreadful offensive line, which if the season started today would likely feature Riley Reiff at left tackle, Danny Isidora at left guard, Pat Elflein at center, Hill at right guard and Brian O’Neill at right tackle.
Isidora and Hill aren’t locked in as starters, and Reiff didn’t exactly play well in 2018 and there have been rumors that Minnesota could try to move him inside to guard.
Another familiar name that makes sense is Nick Easton, whom ESPN’s Courtney Cronin believes will re-sign with the Vikings. He missed all of last season with a neck injury.
What free agent linemen are left?
The top tier has already been picked away, with Trent Brown (Raiders), Ja’Waun James (Broncos), Ty Nsekhe (Bills) and Donovan Smith (Buccaneers) all reportedly off the market.
Here are five players still available (there are many more, but most everyone on the planet hasn’t heard of them) and one who just isn’t realistic because he’s probably too expensive.
1. Daryl Williams, Tackle
According to Spotrac, the former All-Pro tackle for the Carolina Panthers could command a five-year deal worth about $31 million with an average annual salary of $7.8 million.
That might be out of Minnesota’s price range unless they’re able to restructure contracts or trade someone like cornerback Trae Waynes, who is due to make more than $9 million next season.
Williams is just 26 years old and was a second team All-Pro in 2017 before suffering a couple of knee injuries in 2018.
If the Vikings sign a tackle they could explore moving Reiff inside to guard.
2. Rodger Saffold – Guard (UPDATE: HE’S SIGNING WITH THE TITANS)
Former Rams' OL Rodger Saffold intends to sign a four-year, $44 million deal that includes $22.5 million guaranteed with the Tennessee Titans, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2019
Rams GM Les Snead literally said Saffold is “too expensive for us” and that might be the case for Minnesota, too. Spotrac lists his market value at three years for about $21 million.
Saffold was a big part of the Rams’ strong running game and top flight passing offense.
3. James Carpenter – Guard
He’s been replaced as the starting left guard for the New York Jets and would cost less than the $7 million annual price tag on Williams and Saffold.
4. Quinton Spain – Guard
Recently released by the Tennessee Titans, Spain made just $1.9 million last season. According to 247 Sports, Spain started 15 games last year at left guard but was benched in Week 13 for poor play.
5. Jordan Mills – Tackle
Ex-Giants running back Brandon Jacobs loves Mills as a option to start at right tackle for the Giants, saying he’s big, strong, smart and durable.
Mills started for the Bills and made $1.5 million in 2018, so his price tag shouldn’t be out of Minnesota’s range.
Of course, the Vikings have O’Neill at right tackle, so if Mills were to come to Minnesota he could start at right tackle with O’Neill moving to left tackle, which would force Reiff inside to guard.
Bonus but unrealistic: Matt Paradis – Center (UPDATE: HE’S SIGNING WITH CAROLINA)
Minnesota doesn’t need a center, but Denver’s Paradis might be the best lineman still available, and it’s a good bet that as a center he knows how to play guard. The problem here is that Spotrac list his market value at more than $10 million per year, which is probably too rich for the Vikings.
