2014 NFL Free Agency Rumors: Michael Johnson possibly headed to Minnesota VIkings

Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson (93) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

When some players hit free agency, one thing some of them look for is a new home where they will feel comfortable. Most of the time, this entails playing for a coach that, at one time or another, you’ve been with before and built a relationship. This could be one of the factors for Bengals DE Michael Johnson as he could possibly be heading to the Minnesota Vikings to reunite with new coach Mike Zimmer, Johnson’s coordinator in Cincy.

Part of the reason Zimmer was hired in Minnesota was to improve a struggling defense, along with the rest of his new responsibilities, and bringing in his former defensive end would be a great start to that process.

Zimmer addressed the possibility of bringing in some of his former players, like Johnson, and he didn’t talk negatively at all about the possibility.

"“It always helps because of the communication,” Zimmer told reporters on Thursday, per The Star Tribune."

At this time, the Vikings have about $40 million of cap room to use at their will, so they can afford to bring Johnson into Minnesota, and get a good head start on improving things on that side of the ball.

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