The Minnesota Vikings hope their newest offensive lineman will help solidify one of their biggest weaknesses last season.
A patchwork offensive line that battled injuries and position shuffling all season struggled to protect Teddy Bridgewater and open holes for Adrian Peterson through much of last season.
Alex Boone signed with the Vikings Wednesday, on the first day of NFL Free Agency.
https://twitter.com/GoesslingESPN/status/707678660615020544
He was one of several free agents the Vikings agreed to terms with on Wednesday.
The team hopes the 6-foot-8, 300-pound guard will help to solve some of Minnesota’s problems upfront.
ESPN’s Ben Goessling notes that Boone should bring some versatility and a bit of nastiness to a unit that has lacked that recently.
Boone seemed like a logical fit for Minnesota. He spent last season in San Francisco, where new Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano served as a tight ends coach last season.
According to 1500 ESPN’s Andrew Krammer, Boone has a reputation across the league for being a mauler. He has made 65 of 70 starts for the 49ers over the last four seasons.
Plugging him into the left guard spot would allow him to line up next to Matt Kalil and allow the Vikings to move Brandon Fusco back to the right side, where he has spent most of his time.
But just how good of a fit is Boone for Minnesota?
Two seasons ago and long before he ever signed with the Vikings he was asked how he would fine Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews after a late hit the linebacker laid on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
“Probably punch him in the face,” is how Boone responded.
This guy will fit right in! A few years ago Alex Boone talked about wanting to punch Clay Matthews for a cheap shot: https://t.co/0ctdq6OQbs
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) March 10, 2016
Welcome to Minnesota, Alex Boone!
