The legal tampering period of free agency is set to begin at 11 am central time on Monday, March 13th. The Minnesota Vikings have 23 free agents heading into free agency and a lot of decisions to make.
Earlier on Monday, the Vikings restructured the contract of linebacker Jordan Hicks to save an undisclosed amount of money on the salary cap.
With free agency on the precipice, the Vikings have six players on the ESPN top 100 free agent list.
22. DL Dalvin Tomlinson
Tomlinson is a 325-pound nose guard who can play in 30 or 40 fronts. He can clog up running lanes with his size and strength while using his lateral quickness to engulf ball carriers. With 13 sacks over six seasons, Tomlinson isn’t going to bring high-end pass-rush production, but he will demand double-teams and provide an interior push to take away quarterbacks’ throwing platforms.
46. CB Patrick Peterson
Peterson’s play speed has declined at this stage of his career, but he’s a savvy veteran corner who can identify route concepts to make plays on the ball. He just recorded five interceptions and 15 pass breakups in his 12th pro season. Look for a split-safety zone team to show interest here.
78. RB Alexander Mattison
Mattison worked as the No. 2 in Minnesota behind Dalvin Cook, but the tape tells us that he could see more volume elsewhere next season. I look at the short-area juice here. Mattison can get on a downhill track and go. He has the physical traits to carry the ball on early downs, and there’s more pass-catching ability than you think. In the ’21 season, Mattison caught 32 passes, and he has 70 receptions on his résumé after four seasons with the Vikings.
85. LB Eric Kendricks
Kendricks logged 137 tackles and seven pass breakups last season in Minnesota. He can key on the run game and drop as a zone defender — that’s where he can still play productive football. Look for the veteran to sign a one-year deal to fill a hole at the Mike linebacker spot.
87. C Garrett Bradbury
Bradbury registered a pass block win rate of 93.9% and a run block win rate of 70.4% in 12 games last season — both outside the top 25 at the center position. He’s an easy mover who can reach, pull or fit on linebackers.
93. WR Adam Thielen
In 17 games for the Vikings last season, Thielen averaged 10.2 yards per catch on 70 receptions and scored six touchdowns. Now heading into his 10th pro season, Thielen might be at his best working as a No. 3 option with slot flex alignments and could be looking at a short-term deal.
