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Minnesota Vikings free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Mike Phillips

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 09: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens tackles tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half on December 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 09: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens tackles tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half on December 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

2. OLB Terrell Suggs

The Vikings’ top free agent is outside linebacker Anthony Barr, who is in line for a big payday. Minnesota’s cap woes may prevent them from being able to put up a high enough bid for Barr, forcing them to search for a more affordable starter as his replacement.

The benefit for the Vikings as a potential contender is that proven veterans may take a bit less money to sign on in hopes of winning a ring. There are a few veteran edge rushers who fit this mold, but the best fit for the Vikings is longtime Baltimore Raven Terrell Suggs.

Suggs is hitting free agency for the first time at age 36, but the future Hall of Famer is still a productive player. The Ravens got another seven sacks out of Suggs in 2018, and he has proven to be durable, missing only one game in the past five years.

Suggs would be a short term solution for the Vikings, but he would buy them time to find a long term replacement for Barr in the draft. The Minnesota defense would also benefit from Suggs’ leadership, especially since he walks into the room with instant credibility as a Super Bowl champion with the Ravens in 2012.

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