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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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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on prior to kickoff at Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on prior to kickoff at Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

1. DT Ndamukong Suh

Another glaring weakness for the Minnesota Vikings is their interior defensive line, where Sheldon Richardson is slated to become a free agent. Richardson signed a one year prove-it deal with the Vikings last year to rebuild his value, and the decision was a wise one for him.

The Vikings deployed Richardson as their 3-technique and he was a perfect fit in Mike Zimmer’s scheme, picking up 4.5 sacks and providing constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks by collapsing the pocket. As a result, Richardson should be paid handsomely for his services in free agency, likely putting him outside the cash strapped Vikings’ price range.

Finding another effective 3-technique tackle is of paramount importance for Minnesota, and one of the best options available is former division mate Ndamukong Suh. Suh spent last season with the NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams, where he managed to make 59 tackles and record 4.5 sacks while playing primarily nose tackle in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme.

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A move to Minnesota would allow Suh to return to the 3-technique spot where he thrived for years with the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. A chance to win a ring should still carry weight for Suh, who fell short of winning one when the Rams’ offense went dormant in the Super Bowl.

Suh is older than Richardson at 32 but offers the Vikings the closest approximation to his production at a lower price point. Don’t be surprised if Minnesota acts aggressively to try and snag Suh when free agency opens in mid-March.

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