The Minnesota Vikings made a move to bolster their offensive line depth by signing offensive lineman Dalton Risner to a one-year, $4 million contract. It was needed when left tackle Oli Udoh tore his quadriceps tendon knocking him out for the season.
With the Vikings having addressed the offensive line, they still have ample cap space to make a move to address other position. One that they should address is the defensive line, especially after allowing 259 rushing yards to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Buy Vikings TicketsHow much could a veteran signing actually help out the Vikings right now? Their impact can be substantial or absolutely nothing and it all depends on the player and situation.
With that in mind, here are eight players the Vikings can sign that could make an impact.
DL Matt Ioannidis
After spending the first six seasons with the Washington Commanders, Ioannidis played with the Carolina Panthers last season. He is a versatile defender that can play all across the line depending on the situation. In 2022, he had PFF grades of 66.4 overall with 63.5 in rush defense and 69.1 pass rush.
LB Kyle Van Noy
The intrigue of adding Van Noy would be the familiarity with Brian Flores and this defense. He spent three years with Flores in New England before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2020. While he isn’t a desensive lineman, Van Noy is a versatile piece that can do multiple things and provide a veteran presence for a young defense.
DL Akiem Hicks
Hicks is someone that fans have clamoured for over the past few months. He tortured the Vikings while he was with the Chicago Bears but he isn’t the same player he once was. Hicks is about to turn 34, but used in the right packages, he could be a valuable rotational player for a yar or two.
DL Roy Lopez
Lopez is a third-year player that started 14 games for the Houston Texans in 2022. He can play multiple position across the line and can generate decent pressure (19 in 262 pass rush snaps). He likely doesn’t move the needle, but he can be a valuable rotational piece.
DL Deadrin Senat
Senat is a nose tackle, but weighs in at just 305 lbs. In his five seasons since entering the league, Senat has played only 601 snaps with 370 of them coming in his rookie season of 2018.
DL Mike Pennel
Pennel has been a rotational player on the interior for the last nine seasons across five teams. Pennel is on the downside of his career, having graded overall under 50.0 the last two seasons, but his pass rush ability from the nose tackle position is solid and worth looking at.
DL Tyson Alualu
Alualu hass been in the league for 13 seasons having spent seven of them with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the last six with the Pittsburgh Steelers. More of a 3-4 DE, Alualu is equally as good at run defense as he is rushing the passer. He won’t give you a ton, but if you keep him on a snap count, Alualu could possibly make a difference.
DL Michael Brockers
Brockers played for the Rams when Kevin O’Connell was there in 2020. A defensive end that can slide on the inside, Brockers did struggle in 2022 before the Lions benched him for poor performance. Under Flores, Brockers might have a little bit left in the tank.
