Minnesota Vikings Free Agency 2021: Who Are Mike Zimmer’s Top Free Agency Targets?

The Minnesota Vikings had an underwhelmingly average 2020. So, what can they do in free agency to right the ship ahead of the 2021 season?

Before we dive into Minnesota’s potential moves, let’s go over what they’ve already done. To start things out, the Vikes had to move on from longtime TE Kyle Rudolph for cap reasons.

Although they were never able to go all the way with him, Rudy was definitely a fan favorite. The Notre Dame alum was well know for the work he did in the community, earning him nominations for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

However, the loss of the veteran TE is not the worst thing that could have happened to Minnesota. The young man who will take his place, Irv Smith Jr., has been an absolute stud when called upon. (You better be if you’re wearing Randy Moss’ #84).

Additions Made So Far

Another fan favorite, Minnesota native Adam Thielen, restructured his contract to save around $8 million in cap space.

In other moves, GM Rick Spielman and his team opted to bring back WR and PR Chad Beebe for the veteran minimum, re-signed Roshod Hill after missing out on Joe Thuney, and brought in Chargers LB Nick Vigil for backup.

Another signing that should excite Vikings’ fans was the first real dent on the pocket this offseason. Signing DT Dalvin Tomlinson from the Giants for $10.5 million per year brings some much needed beef to the interior defensive line.

And finally, the signing that’s got most of the attention: CB Patrick Peterson from the Arizona Cardinals. This one could be a real hit or miss for Minnesota.

Zimmer’s defense has been seriously lacking veteran support at cornerback, and Peterson was once the cream of the crop at his position. However, he has since slowed down with age so it will be interesting to see what kind of impact he can make.

Minnesota Vikings: Top 5 Positions of need and Top targets

The Vikes are low on cap space, but these positions should be of utmost priority to Mike Zimmer even if he can’t afford some of the players listed.

#1. Cornerback

Options include: Mackensie Alexander, Richard Sherman, A.J Bouye

#2. Guard

Options include: Kelechi Osemele, Nick Easton, Trai Turner

#3. Safety

Options include: Keanu Neal or bring Anthony Harris back

#4. EDGE

Options include: Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffen, Jadeveon Clowney

#5. WR3

Options include: Danny Amendola, Sammy Watkins, Golden Tate

Also read: Chicago Bears Free Agency 2021: Who Are The Bears Looking To Add In Free Agency? Is The Russell Wilson Dream Dead & Andy Dalton The Best they Have?