The Minnesota Vikings are boosting their offensive line by agreeing to a one-year, $3 million deal with veteran free agent Jesse Davis, per the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson.
Davis started in 72 of a possible 80 games in his last four seasons with the Miami Dolphins. So this isn’t just some depth signing for the team to continue trotting Oli Udoh on the field , while second-year offensive guard, Wyatt Davis, gets his act together.
Jesse Davis has a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job in Minnesota and step right into the fold to help the team compete right away.
He struggled at right tackle for the Dolphins last season, but his versatility gives him the ability to be kicked inside to right guard. The latter is just what the doctored ordered for the Vikings with Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw already manning the tackle positions.
Right guard and center have been the primary trouble spots for a Vikings team hoping to provide quarterback Kirk Cousins a little more time in the pocket to take advantage of the multiple offensive weapons he has downfield.
Davis, who was given a 52.5 grade by Pro Football Focus in 2021, is hoping to bounce back with an opportunity to play on the inside.
Any change feels welcome at this point. Udoh isn’t getting the job done, and if the Vikings believed in Wyatt Davis so much, they wouldn’t have gone out and signed another potential starter.
The competition at right guard will be fierce come training camp.
