The Minnesota Vikings struck gold last offseason.
Almost all their free agency additions became impact players on a team that went 14-3 in what looked like a rebuilding season. While their postseason fell short of expectations, the Vikings can reload again this offseason.
With over $70 million to spend before restructures that could free up more money, the Vikings can add key contributors at a few spots. Still, they need to be smart with their cap space. Minnesota has several needs, so it can’t focus on only one or two positions.
Minnesota’s front office will likely bring a mix of known commodities and slightly more unproven players. The Vikings did a great job of balancing this in the past offseason, adding their fair share of established players and those who teams may have undervalued.
Given Minnesota’s offseason needs at guard, running back, defensive line, and cornerback, I have provided them with one proven option, along with a prove-it option.
Guard
Proven: Trey Smith
Smith is far and away the prize of the interior offensive line market. He also might be the best O-lineman available.
On his next contract, the right guard looks to cash in and make over $20 million per season. Smith has been solid as the Kansas City Chiefs right guard. He’s coming off his best season, where he allowed no sacks on his way to posting a career-best 70.6 pass-blocking grade and a career-best 80.8 run-blocking grade.
Only 25, Smith figures to be a mainstay in whatever offensive line he joins.
With Vikings fans clamoring for an answer at guard for the last decade, adding Smith would be the fix most are looking for despite the hefty tag.
Brandon Scherff or Kevin Zeitler are other proven options.
Prove It: Mekhi Becton
A former first-round tackle turned guard, Becton has revived his career since switching positions and teams. He posted a pass-blocking grade of 63.3 and a run-blocking grade of 74.7 this season at right guard.
Beckton is the latest success story on the Philadelphia Eagles’ interior offensive line. He looks like an interesting potential pickup in the free-agent market.
There’s no doubt that the talent is there. Still, it’s uncertain whether Beckton’s environment contributed to his success. The Eagles have Lane Johnson and Cam Jurgens next to him, who are Pro Bowl-level players. Despite this, Beckton is an interesting name to monitor.
Ben Cleveland or Dillon Radunz are other prove-it players.
Running Back
Proven: Aaron Jones
There is a dearth of quality running backs in this year’s free-agent class, so bringing Jones back would be the best option. Jones had a career year in Minnesota. He had a career-high in touches while serving as one of the team leaders.
While bringing him back would be fun, he’s turning 31 and would need to share the load with another veteran running back or a rookie. Still, Jones is probably the best proven free agent the Vikings can bring in this offseason. Jones is a proven in a group of prove-its.
Prove It: Javonte Williams
In 2021, Williams caught everyone’s attention with 1,200 all-purpose yards as a rookie. However, Williams suffered a torn ACL a year later. Since then, he hasn’t been the same guy. Sean Payton has implemented a pass-first offensive philosophy, and Williams hasn’t gotten back in rhythm after injury. Therefore, he has struggled the past two seasons.
Williams would not become Minnesota’s lead back. Still, he could be an interesting prove-it candidate for the Vikings on a one-year deal.
Defensive Tackle
Proven: Calais Campbell
Campbell isn’t the youngest guy around at 38, and he could retire this offseason. Still, the Vikings should consider signing him.
Campbell had another great season, recording five sacks as a three-technique. He was also great against the run, recording an 85.9 PFF grade on running plays. Campbell played over 600 snaps this season. While he likely would need fewer snaps next season, he still has value. Campbell could also serve as a mentor to a rookie defensive tackle if the Vikings draft one.
Prove It: Milton Williams
You might be surprised that Williams falls into the “prove it” category, given his six sacks on the season and his 90.4 pass-rushing grade. Still, there are reasons I included him in this group.
Williams has the good fortune of playing alongside a stacked Eagles interior defensive line that features Jalen Carter and Jaden Davis, who have been game-wreckers. Williams is equally impressive, but Davis and Carter’s strength allowed him to become something of a one-trick pony as a pass rusher.
Therefore, I don’t know if he can have the same impact as the best defensive tackle on a team.
Cornerback
Proven: Byron Murphy Jr.
After a slow start to the season, Byron Murphy Jr. turned it around, getting six interceptions and a Pro Bowl nod.
At 27, Murphy is entering his prime and likely will want to be compensated for his elite play last season. With a cornerbacks room that only has Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern under contract, Murphy should be Minnesota’s No. 1 priority to bring back this offseason.
However, given his age and play, Murphy will likely be one of the most sought-after corners on the market.
Prove It: Asante Samuel Jr.
After somewhat of a breakout season in 2023, Asante Samuel Jr.’s ankle injury last year cost him some of the hype he generated.
Like Murphy, he is a smaller corner. However, unlike Murphy, he doesn’t have the flexibility to play inside and outside. While this makes him less versatile and not a true one-for-one swap, his sticky-man coverage could be enticing.
Given his injury last season, he might be much more affordable than most people think.