Minnesota still has some offseason left to make some moves and fix issues on the roster, in order to improve off of last season.
The Vikings’ biggest needs are, in particular order: cornerback, defensive end, guard, tackle, defensive tackle, and an extra linebacker would also help. So it’s safe to say there is a lot to choose from in regards to what the Vikings can do next.
Here are three predictions that could happen down the line:
The Vikings and Anthony Harris will agree to an extension
Safety Anthony Harris was franchise tagged by the Vikings this offseason. However, Harris was reportedly a tag-and-trade candidate for the Vikings to trade in a possible deal.
Now, it looks like Harris could stay, with Minnesota and Harris trying to work out an extension. An extension for Harris could get rid of the franchise tag and maybe make it so that his cap hit isn’t as big this season. That would help free up space for Minnesota, which leads me to my next prediction…
Minnesota will sign a cornerback in free agency
Look, I get it, the team currently does not have a lot of cap space to work with. But if Harris took a lesser cap hit, and the Vikings cut Riley Reiff, that frees up enough space for the Vikings to go out and get a corner.
Holton Hill and Mike Hughes have both had their moments, but the two also both have question marks surrounding them. Hill was suspended for a total of eight games last season and Hughes has been injury-prone. It would help for the Vikings to go out and get at least a depth player at corner, in order for the defense to not drop off.
Cornerbacks Darqueze Dennard, Prince Amukamara and Trumaine Johnson are some names that could be solid fits for the Vikings.
The Vikings will draft an offensive lineman in the first round
Minnesota’s offensive line improved in 2019-20, but with the needs the position group still has, and Josh Kline getting his contract terminated, it’s most likely the Vikings will need to either sign, trade for or draft an offensive lineman. Given Minnesota’s salary cap situation, I think the best option is to draft one.
Some names that would fit Minnesota well would be Josh Jones, Austin Jackson or Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs if he falls a bit.
