It is the 2017-2018 season. The Minnesota Vikings are recovering from an emotional roller coaster that was the postseason. The Minnesota Miracle came and went followed by a pommeling at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Nonetheless, Minnesota felt good with their roster and felt that they were a quarterback away. The problem is, the Vikings got their quarterback but seemed to take steps back in other areas. Since that forgettable NFC Championship Game, the Vikings are 33-31-1 with one appearance in the playoffs – and it is not Kirk Cousins’ fault.

The fully-guaranteed contract of Cousins rubbed many the wrong way but that is the nature of the NFL. Cousins has put up numbers that are comparable with any Top-10 quarterback in the league. In 2021, Cousins finished with 4,221 yards to go along with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He is averaging 4,097 yards a season with 124 touchdowns and just 36 interceptions. Enough with the hate for Cousins. 

There have been rumors that his time could be coming to an end in Minnesota. If this happens, the Vikings will be hard pressed to find a better option but anything is possible. For argument’s sake, let’s say that Cousins is under center in Week 1. It is time for the front office to properly build around their quarterback and get back to the status of 2017.

This is an important offseason for the Vikings, especially if Aaron Rodgers is on his way out of Green Bay. Let’s take a look at three potential free agents that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should target in his first season as General Manager.

3. Morgan Moses, OL

Between Matt Kalil in 2012 and Garrett Bradbury in 2019, the Vikings did not select an offensive lineman in the first round. Bradbury was taken 18th that year and Minnesota added Christian Darrisaw with the 23rd pick in 2021. It is clear that the Vikings need to protect Cousins and this would give them an anchor along the line.

A team looks for toughness and durability in an offensive lineman. Moses checks both boxes. As a rookie in 2014, Moses played in eight games. Since then, he has not missed a game and started 112 out of a possible 113 games. Moses spent last season with the New York Jets on a one-year deal. While he seems open to re-signing, landing with the Vikings should be more attractive. The market is not high on Moses so Minnesota would get a durable offensive lineman on a budget. Bringing in a reliable offensive lineman is never a bad thing. For the Vikings, an anchor at a tackle position is something they should be looking for.

Moses checks all the boxes for Minnesota. Cheap, durable, tough – that seems to fit the bill for a team that wants to protect their quarterback. Cousins would reunite with a lineman that protected him for three years in Washington.

2. Marcus Maye, S

The safety position is one that has been a strength for the Vikings in recent years. That is beginning to change as Harrison Smith gets older and now the addition of Marcus Maye could give them that next option. It all depends on if the Vikings want to take a chance on Maye and his baggage.

Maye missed time last season with a torn Achilles and is still recovering from the injury. When on the field, Maye has been rock solid. At 28 years old, he has some good years left if he is able to stay healthy and keep his head on straight. Maye has also had some off-the-field issues that have impacted his value. Minnesota could give Maye a short-term prove-it deal before they made a serious commitment. 

This does not seem like the long-term safety that the Vikings might be looking for but Maye is a cheap option that is a good option if healthy. He is not worth a deal longer than two years and this keeps the Vikings inside the cap. It is a low-risk, high-reward move that could benefit Minnesota for a year or two.

1. Melvin Ingram, EDGE

The Kansas City Chiefs got Ingram on a budget after he requested a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He proved to be a key performer down the stretch and it came at a good time as he prepares to hit free agency. The market did not magically improve and the Vikings could turn into a realistic landing spot.

The Vikings have a decision to make on Danielle Hunter. He is set to make upwards of $19 million this season and has been linked to teams in a trade, most recently the Jets. If Minnesota decides to hang onto Hunter, the addition of Ingram would make a huge impact. For a team that might not have a ton of cap space this offseason, Ingram could be that value addition that adds a veteran presence on the edge.

It has been said that the Vikings could improve the roster in many areas. This includes along the edge and Ingram would not break the bank.