Minnesota Vikings: 5 offseason needs in 2020

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

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 11: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the sidelines during the first half of NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi’s Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

1. Rebuild the defense

Flashback to 2017, when Mike Zimmer’s team fielded a defensive unit that allowed the fewest yards in the league while that version of the Purple Gang gave up an NFL-low 252 points. The Vikings rode that unit (and some solid play from quarterback Case Keenum) to a 13-3 record and eventually an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

But that team was taken apart by Nick Foles and the Philadelphia offense in a crushing 38-7 setback at Philadelphia. Some may say that Minnesota hasn’t recovered from that whipping, at least on the defensive side of the ball. For the past two seasons, the results have been inconsistent. Too often, Zimmer’s defense has been exploited by some of the better attacks around the league.

This offseason, the club parted ways with cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Linval Joseph, now with the Colts and Chargers, respectively. Four other defensive backs – corners Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander and safeties Jayron Kearse and Andrew Sendejo – left in free agency. And reserve defensive end Stephen Weatherly signed with the Carolina Panthers.

The free-agent additions include defensive tackle Michael Pierce (Ravens) and defensive end Anthony Zettel (49ers).

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With a dozen selections at his disposal in April’s draft, don’t be surprised if general manager Rick Spielman uses the majority of those on the defensive side of the ball. It’s a unit that needs to recapture that 2017 feeling sooner than later.

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