Vikings Territory: 3 Free Agents Still Available If Vikings Want Defensive Exclamation Point

Press release from Vikings Territory:

July 5, 2021

Defense-only. That philosophy has been implemented by the Minnesota Vikings in free agency since mid-March.

Spielman traded for an offensive lineman, Mason Cole, before the NFL draft. But that was about it for non-draft activities centered on offense. Then, Minnesota fortified the roster on offense with young men like Christian Darrisaw, Wyatt Davis, Kellen Mond, Kene Nwangwu, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette during the draft.

Should the Vikings continue the defensive bombardment via free agency, these three men could serve as exclamation points to an already-robust offseason aimed at improvement.

During his last full season, 2019, Ingram notched a 74.7 Pro Football Focus grade, displaying a knack for rushing passers more so than smothering running backs. And the Vikings need a pass-rushing savant. The team already has run-stoppers in Michael Pierce and Dalvin Tomlinson to stuff running lanes.

The acquisition of Wright for the Vikings would signify an embarrassment of riches at the linebacker spot. Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr reunite for 2021 after injuries disabled the duo’s presence for most of 2020. Nick Vigil was signed in March, likely holding the inside track to start at weakside linebacker. If Vigil is not in the plans to start, the next options would pivot to Ryan Connelly or rookie Chazz Surratt.

Wright will turn 32 in a few weeks, spending 144 career games in Seattle with the Seahawks. There, he reached one Pro Bowl five years ago while tabulating 941 career tackles. In fact, that 941 tackles since 2011 is the fourth-most in the NFL. The man can tackle.

There is no relationship whatsoever, but with the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston posted 22 sacks during the first season that Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer coached the Vikings (2014). As of late, Houston is a reliable commodity for about nine sacks in a single season. This would be terrific on the other end of Minnesota’s defensive line.

The Colts play a 4-3 defense. That’s what the Vikings utilize. Houston has the experience.

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory. The views expressed here are the author’s own.