After an incredible 14-win season that many never saw coming, the Minnesota Vikings headed into an exciting offseason knowing there would be some significant changes. Not only was starting quarterback Sam Darnold set for free agency, but the Vikings also ranked in the top five of cap space when the offseason kicked off.
They’ve since spent a significant chunk of change on a bevy of free agents. One of them stands out as a “perfect marriage” according to one NFL analyst.
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Minnesota Vikings’ Jonathan Allen signing receives high praise from NFL.com
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been a busy man this offseason, taking time to address needs on both sides of the ball. Arguably the Vikings’ biggest weaknesses headed into the offseason have already been addressed, with sizable additions coming to the offensive and defensive interior.
One of the signings the Vikings made was adding two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen on a three-year contract worth up to $51 million. Allen has compiled 42 sacks in his eight-year career, including a personal best nine-sack season in 2021. His addition addresses a defensive interior that has struggled to generate pressure, effectively making edge rushers like Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner more impactful.
Not to mention, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is one of the best at coming up with exotic blitzes that create pressure from any angle imaginable. This is part of the reason why Allen’s signing was recently called one of the NFL’s “perfect marriages” by NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks.
“Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has terrorized opponents with a smoke-and-mirrors scheme that befuddles quarterbacks and blockers with relentless pressure. Though the mad scientist has successfully harassed foes without an established interior pass rusher to this point, the addition of Allen gives the Vikings a destructive force at the point of attack with superb run-stopping skills and a pass-rushing presence. The two-time Pro Bowler, who missed nine regular-season games last season due to a pectoral injury but returned for the team’s playoff run, has generated 42 sacks over eight seasons with Washington. With veterans Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel commanding attention on the outside, the ninth-year pro should see his sack production spike in Minneapolis.”
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks on Minnesota Vikings signing Jonathan Allen
Allen was limited to just eight games last season, so he only tallied 19 tackles and three sacks. Yet, the Vikings are hopeful the 30-year-old is ready for a bounceback year on his new team, and they’re not the only ones who believe it’s possible.
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