3 Players the Vikings Won't Be Able to Keep This Offseason

Kirk Cousins finally learned to win how to win a big game during the 2019 playoffs, but Mike Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings once again came up short when the San Francisco 49ers pummeled them in the divisional round. The Vikings have several key contributors like Everson Griffen and Anthony Harris hitting free agency, but the team will likely do whatever it can to bring them back. These three players, however, may prove difficult for the Vikings to keep in town.

3. OG Dakota Dozier

Minnesota Vikings OG Dakota Dozier / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

A former star guard at Furman, Dozier spent five years as a backup with the Jets before moving to Minnesota last year. He was active for all 16 games, starting four. Even with Garrett Bradbury at center, the interior of Minnesota's offensive line is far from a rock-solid group, and they need every available body they can get. However, Dozier's solid play in relief of Pat Elflein last year could earn him a chance to compete for a starting job somewhere else, and that desire could price him out of a Vikings return.

2. CB Trae Waynes

Minnesota Vikings CB Trae Waynes / Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

Waynes was considered a physical freak after the former Michigan State star ran a 4.31 in the 40 yard dash and earned himself a No. 11 overall selection in 2015, but he never made the leap from good to great Zimmer was hoping for. While Waynes has proven to be a serviceable No. 2 corner in this league, Minnesota could look to restock its secondary in a cornerback-rich draft, which could force Waynes to leave The North Star State for the first time in his career.

1. WR Stefon Diggs

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Even with his uptick in production, which ended up with the speedy deep threat setting a new career-high in receiving yards with 1,130, Diggs has continued to cryptically subtweet some of his Vikings teammates while not so subtly hinted that he wants a trade. While clearly disgruntled, Diggs is one of the best receivers in football when it comes to creating separation at the line of scrimmage. Minnesota could get a hefty return for the budding star while finally relieving themselves of their Diggs headache.