Michael Pierce to sign with Vikings: Grade, reaction and more
Michael Pierce has long been an underrated piece for the Baltimore Ravens, and now he heads to the Minnesota Vikings to play for another contender.
The Minnesota Vikings are making moves to solidify their defense.
For a team that made the second round of the NFL playoffs, the Vikings are sure doing plenty to revamp the roster. With Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen, Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Stefon Diggs out, general manager Rick Spielman has brought in Michael Pierce to help counterbalance some of the losses.
Pierce, 27, played his first four years with the Baltimore Ravens. Last year, the 340-pound defensive tackle played 14 games and racked up 35 tackles and three quarterback hits. While Pierce won’t play third down, he’s a load to deal with on first and second, making him a nice compliment to pass-rushers Danielle Hunter and Anthony Barr on the outside.
Contract details
As stated above, Pierce cashed in with the Vikings. Minnesota paid the youngster $27 million over three years, with $18 million guaranteed. This is a nice haul for Pierce, who is still looking to reach his first Pro Bowl or make an All-Pro team.
National reaction
In two days, this is how the Ravens defensive line changed:
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 16, 2020
2019
DE: Chris Wormley
DT: Brandon Williams
NT: Michael Pierce
2020
DE: Calais Campbell
DT: Michael Brockers
NT: Brandon Williams
Michael Pierce’s 69.1 grade ranked 44th among interior defenders in 2019. pic.twitter.com/go0pp7r94h
— PFF (@PFF) March 18, 2020
The #Vikings add a key run-stuffer with @mikepierce_97. https://t.co/jt3YMwiMZO
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 20, 2020
At 6’0” 340lbs, new Vikings DL Michael Pierce is a space-eating monster!
— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) March 19, 2020
He’ll definitely test the stretch in those purple pants. #Vikings
Pierce is a solid player and is essentially getting a two-year deal from the Vikings. Considering Minnesota lost Joseph and Griffen off the defensive line this offseason, signing Pierce makes ample sense. He should help to shut down the run, something the Vikings couldn’t do against the San Francisco 49ers in their NFC Divisional loss.