3 Contracts the Vikings Need to Restructure to Create Cap Space

The Minnesota Vikings might have let a good chunk of their starting defense go in 2020, but they still aren't the most flexible team from a financial perspective, as their $11 million in cap space ranks 21st in all of football as of this writing. In order to restock that D, at some point over the next few months via the draft, trade, or free agency, Minnesota will need to restructure some of the bigger contracts on their roster in order to manufacture some space for 2020 and beyond. They should start with these three.

3. LB Anthony Barr

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

After famously reversing course on signing with the New York Kets, Barr returned to Minnesota on a five-year contract. His play took a major downturn last year, however, as his 1.5 sacks were the fewest he has ever put up in a full season. On the hook for almost $60 million over the next few years, the Vikings need to convert some of Barr's contract into a signing bonus to avoid getting boxed in against the salary cap.

2. TE Kyle Rudolph

Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The emergence of second-round pick Irv Smith at tight end has made Rudolph's role in the offense less and less important with the passing of time. Unfortunately, the four years left on his deal aren't going to disappear into thin air, and his financial hit climbs into the eight-figure range in 2021 and 2022. The Vikings are essentially paying a backup tight end $8.8 million this year and almost $30 million over the next few years combined, so GM Rick Spielman needs to find a way to make Rudolph's contract less of an eyesore, and he needs to make it a priority.

1. OT Riley Reiff

Minnesota Vikings left tackle Riley Reiff / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Kirk Cousins is, and should be, the highest-paid player on this team. Checking in right behind him, however, is Reiff, a left tackle who was one of the worst members of a surprisingly solid Minnesota offensive line last year. Reiff is due to make $10.9 million in base salary in 2020, which is the highest such figure on the team, and he will account for a $13.2 million cap hit. Spielman has shown that he knows how to maneuver his way around the cap, and he'll need to work his magic to reduce the impact of the albatross Reiff deal.