How would two of the NFL’s best free agents look in purple?
On Wednesday, Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback unveiled its list of the Top 50 NFL free agents, and linebacker Rey Maualuga and cornerback Tramon Williams were defined as good fits for the Minnesota Vikings.
Williams, 31, is MMQB’s No. 40-ranked free agent; Maualuga, 28, is ranked 46th.
On Williams:
This veteran can still play. Has 27 interceptions over past seven seasons. Missed one game over past five years, and he played through a lot of injuries that affected his performance. Best fit: Vikings. For some reason, they always end up with Packers at the end of their careers, and Minnesota could use the help.
On Maualuga:
Increasingly has a tough time staying healthy (missed seven games over past two seasons) but is a good player without a glaring weakness. Best fit: Vikings. They could be looking for a starting middle linebacker, and Mike Zimmer knows Maualuga can run his scheme.
Maualuga has a connection to Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who worked previously as the Bengals defensive coordinator. Vikings.com’s Mike Wobschall believes there is a “very good chance” the Vikings will address their need at middle linebacker in free agency, and Maualuga will be an interesting name to watch.
Jasper Brinkley, Minnesota’s starting middle linebacker last season, will become an unrestricted free agent on March 10th.
General Manager Rick Spielman told the Pioneer Press that he doesn’t expect the Vikings to spend big in free agency.
