Minnesota had a limited salary cap heading into the offseason, and the team’s activity in free agency has ended up being pretty limited until this point.
But there are some moves the team has made. The Vikings have signed Michael Pierce, Tajae Sharpe, Anthony Zettel and DeMarquis Gates so far.
I think Pierce could have the inside track at a starting defensive tackle position, but other than him, most of those players will end up being reserves, with some possibly getting cut.
Here is the breakdown of each move individually:
Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce
As mentioned earlier, Pierce is an addition to the Vikings who could very well go on to be a starter. He’s a big-body, run-stopping defensive tackle, who could possibly replace some of the production from Linval Joseph, who left to reportedly sign with the Chargers.
Grade: B+
Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe
Sharpe had a limited role with the Titans, tallying 1,167 yards in three active seasons. However Sharpe has a chance to come in and compete for the second wide receiver spot on the Vikings, after the team reportedly traded Stefon Diggs in the offseason.
He’s definitely a drop-off from Diggs in terms of talent, but maybe the replacement for Diggs will be a by-committee effort. Possibly high ceiling, but likely a compete reserve and nothing else.
Grade C+
49ers defensive end Anthony Zettel
Similar to Sharpe, Anthony Zettel received limited action with his former teams.
Last season he played in five regular season games, four with the Bengals, then he was cut by the team, and picked up by the 49ers. He had six tackles in 2019. Maybe he can pick up some of the production that Everson Griffen left behind, but with the Vikings having 12 picks in the draft, and solid reserve at defensive end in Ifeadi Odenigbo, I don’t know how much Minnesota will use Zettel.
Grade: C
Roughnecks (XFL) linebacker DeMarquis Gates
Gates is a low-risk, low reward signing. He played pretty well in the XFL, so the Vikings took a flyer on him. He can compete for the linebacker spot on the defense alongside Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, but he’s probably more of a reserve.
Not a huge deal if he doesn’t end up making the team, and he could possibly be a good depth player.
Grade: C
