Andrew Buller-Russ
The Minnesota Vikings feel better about the roster they’ve built since moving on from general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and appointing Rob Brzezinski as interim general manager. While they didn’t make the same type of splash additions we saw last season, adding multiple Pro Bowl defenders, the Vikings managed to make smaller sound decisions on the margins, such as adding Kyler Murray, Jauan Jennings, and James Pierre, all at bargain rates.
Yet, it wasn’t all positive this offseason. The Vikings also had to make several tough cap-savings decisions, such as moving on from a trio of Pro Bowlers from their defensive front. After parting ways with Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and, most recently, the Jonathan Greenard trade, the Vikings may feel a bit thin at the edge rusher position. Others agree.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Praised for ‘Savvy’ Free Agent Signing
Recently, The Athletic‘s Vikings insider, Alec Lewis, shared his belief that the team “desperately needs at least one more edge rusher. Cupboards don’t get much barer.”
He’s not wrong. While Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is a big believer in the Andrew Van Ginkel/Dallas Turner pairing, teams always need to have a reliable third rotational pass-rusher who can help in obvious passing situations. Plus, Van Ginkel missed five games last season, so having some injury protection never hurts either.
Behind Van Ginkel and Turner, as Lewis noted, the “cupboard” is “bare.” Minnesota has a trio of undrafted free agents, all of whom made the roster in the past two seasons. The Vikings also have two undrafted rookies vying for a chance to sneak onto the roster.
While there’s upside on the team, there aren’t any proven contributors waiting in the wings. Meanwhile, there are several veteran edge rushers still available in free agency, such as Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, and many more. We’ll see if the Vikings turn to one of them in the next couple of weeks.
Related: 5 Minnesota Vikings Edge Rusher Targets After Trading Jonathan Greenard
