The Minnesota Vikings got off to a slow start to the 2020 season and it looked like they would be playing for their draft position. The last month though, the young players on the defense have stepped up, and now the Vikings are looking towards the playoffs.
Even with so much to play for this season, it’s never too early to look at how the Vikings can improve this team during the offseason with free agency.
This is still a very young team that could use some more veteran leadership, especially on defense. Let’s take a look at three free agents the Vikings should be targeting to improve their roster.
Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback
Mike Zimmer is elite when it comes to working with cornerbacks, and he has worked his magic again this season. Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney look to be bright spots for this team, but they still need some veteran leadership.
Kirkpatrick is a former first round pick who is having another strong season with the Arizona Cardinals.
According to overthecap.com, the Vikings are projected to be $11 million over the cap heading into the 2021 season. There are better cornerbacks in free agency the Vikings could go after, but with the cap space situation, shopping from the bargain bin is where they are going to need to be.
Corey Davis, Wide Receiver
Depending on the type of contract that Corey Davis is asking for, he could make a whole lot of sense for the Vikings.
The Vikings have Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, who are one the top combos in the NFL. After those two, the Vikings don’t have a lot of talent and they should be trying to find a third wide receiver. They brought in Tajae Sharpe to be that guy this offseason, but that didn’t work out.
On the season, Davis has caught 34 passes for 436 yards and three touchdowns. Even though he hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being a first round pick, he would be a great addition to the Vikings offense.
Trey Burton, Tight End
The Vikings can save a little bit of cap space by letting go of Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph is s still a solid weapon for the Vikings, but with money needing to be saved, signing a cheaper tight end makes sense.
Burton is 29 years old and still in his prime. On the season with the Indianapolis Colts, Burton has caught 18 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown.
Burton would be a solid weapon for the Vikings in the red zone. If they could get him for a minimum salary, he makes a lot of sense in purple and gold.
