Minnesota Vikings free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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The Minnesota Vikings made the playoffs last season, but these five players could help them take the next step forward.

Year two of the Kirk Cousins era was far better than the first for the Minnesota Vikings. After missing the playoffs in 2018, Minnesota got to the postseason this year, scoring an upset in New Orleans before getting beat in the Divisional Round by the 49ers.

That loss exposed some flaws with the Vikings, who are a good team that needs to improve in key areas in order to take the next leap forward. The Green Bay Packers are still the class of the NFC North, but the Vikings aren’t far away from contending for that division title.

Let’s take a look at the five key free agents that the Vikings should target to make that leap, beginning with safety Justin Simmons.

5. Justin Simmons

The secondary was a major problem for the Vikings this season as opposing quarterbacks sliced and diced the unit. While Harrison Smith was strong as usual, the Vikings could use an upgrade next to him.

The best fit on the market could well be Justin Simmons, formerly of the Broncos, who is an ascending talent at the position. Simmons racked up 93 tackles and picked off four passes in 2019, and he could make a major impact in the defensive backfield for Minnesota.

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