NFL free agency grades: How did each team do?

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings lost Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph, but they were able to sign a good nose tackle in Michael Pierce from the Baltimore Ravens. Pierce should be viewed as an upgrade on Joseph, and he’s a perfect fit for this defense with his strengths against the run.

Keeping Kirk Cousins forced the Vikings to trade Stefon Diggs, and while the team was never going to truly get fair value for an elite – but openly upset – wideout, Rick Spielman did a much better job than other “GMs” around the league have.

Minnesota avoided overpaying players like Trae Waynes, but they could suffer another big loss on the other side of the ball in Anthony Harris. Spielman and the Vikings franchised Harris in the hopes of trading him, which should not be a legal tactic in the NFL, as it exerts undue control over a player. They will, however, benefit from this as an organization, even if they will need to reduce their asking price.

The Vikings offseason will ultimately be judged on how Cousins does. He’s good enough to keep taking this team to the playoffs with the right pieces around him, but since those pieces, specifically Diggs, are leaving because of his deficiencies, this will end up backfiring. The organization’s decision-makers have traded long-term Super Bowl opportunities for short-term job security.

Grade: D