The Vikings received a blow to their hopes for 2020 when defensive tackle Michael Pierce, the team’s biggest signing in free agency, opted out of the season.
Pierce said to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson that the defensive tackle had really bad asthma among other respiratory issues, so it was a high-risk opt-out.
Now, the Vikings expect their nose tackle to play. Asked about Pierce, Vikings GM Rick Spielman seemed optimistic about the defensive tackle’s return.
“He looks in great shape,” Spielman said to Chad Graff of The Athletic. “We anticipate him being here.”
Pierce would be a big help as a run-stopper. That said, he probably won’t be the Vikings’ solution to getting pressure in the pass rush next season and he’s not going to play 600 snaps. Even with Pierce and Hunter on the defensive line, that unit needs to improve in other areas.
