3 Free Agents the Vikings Need to Target This Offseason

The Minnesota Vikings made it back to the playoffs in 2019, but fans would say the team left a lot of meat on the bone with nothing more than a Wild Card round victory to show for it.

The 2019 season was certainly a step in the right direction for Minnesota. Quarterback Kirk Cousins finally proved that his huge contract could pay off with playoff success. Head coach Mike Zimmer silenced the conversation, at least temporarily, that it was time for the Vikings to move on.

The Vikings still have a lot to prove, though, and that starts with making more strides forward this offseason, and reloading their roster with some much-needed talent at key positions.

3. OG Brandon Scherff

Cousins made it clear in 2019 that, while he can't carry an offense, he can be a more-than-productive passer with the right talent around him. That necessary talent starts up front, where the Vikings guard situation was a revolving door all season. The signing of Scherff would solidify their front with a two-time Pro Bowler that can open up running lanes and keep Cousins safe from interior pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, Scherff only allowed one sack in 2019, and boasts a 75 overall player rating. It's a substantial upgrade from Minnesota's current guard situation of Pat Elflein and Josh Kline, who both boast grades in the low 60s.

2. FS HaHa Clinton-Dix

With four starters from the Vikings secondary set to hit free agency, the front office needs to make a move to address the unit, so why not go for an upgrade? Minnesota would be a perfect landing spot for Clinton-Dix to continue his tour around the NFC North, as the former Packers' first-round pick had a solid season with the Bears in 2019, and is more than familiar with the division. As a former Pro Bowler and second-team All Pro, Clinton-Dix would could effectively fill the void left by Anthony Harris or Andrew Sendejo if the Vikings brass decides not to bring them back.

1. CB Byron Jones

On the topic of the Vikings' secondary, Xavier Rhodes showed a steep decline in 2019, and Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander are both set to hit free agency. The front office will have to make multiple moves in the offseason to rebuild a depleting unit, and they can't do much better than Jones. At 27 years old, Jones is in his prime, and would fit right into the Vikings' win-now agenda. He would bring athleticism, experience and star power to Minnesota's defense.