Minnesota Vikings free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

3. Andrew Norwell

The Vikings are pretty well-rounded already as they get ready for the 2018 season, and it showed with their extreme success in 2017. If they need any help, it’d have to be on their offensive line, and Andrew Norwell could provide some instant assistance for the purple and gold.

The former Carolina Panthers lineman would fit in nicely in the Vikings offense, and is one of the best options out there for teams looking to bolster their big-man brigade in front of their quarterback. Who knows if the Panthers will do everything they can to keep Norwell around to protect Cam Newton, but the Vikings should pursue him to protect whoever they decide on as the quarterback.

Depending on who they pick to come back for 2018, the Vikings could use the extra security for their quarterback’s legs, and also Dalvin Cook’s, as well. Teddy Bridgewater obviously just came back this season from his severe leg injury from a few seasons ago, while Sam Bradford saw his season disappear before his eyes after re-injuring his knee in 2017.

Norwell won’t be a cheap option by any means, but the Vikings may have no other option if they want to round out their roster for next season. They don’t have a prime draft spot, and Norwell would make sure the money doesn’t go to waste for the franchise.

Obviously the team could go elsewhere with their quarterback, but the main point still rings true: Norwell could help to make sure these injuries don’t make their way back to the injury report in 2018. If not, he could still make the Vikings even better to protect whoever they have throwing the ball.