Fansided

What COVID-19 NFL opt outs will have the most impact in 2020?

By Dustin Baker

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Dont'a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Dont'a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens after a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 8, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore beats Buffalo 24 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

DT. Minnesota Vikings. player. 60. Michael Pierce. 4. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Because of his asthma-related concerns, Pierce notified the Minnesota Vikings on July 28th that he’d see them in 2021.

Pierce was the Vikings big splash in free agency this offseason and was one of Minnesota’s only non-draft transactions. The Vikings were short on cap space and had to fortify the depth chart vis-à-vis lesser expensive young talent.

Also this offseason, the team moved on from veteran defensive tackle Linval Joesph. Pierce was slated to fill Joesph’s mammoth shoes as the two men are similar in robust stature. But it won’t happen in 2020.

Pierce’s decision thrusts head coach Mike Zimmer into an unfamiliar spot, a “now what?” at the 5-technique position on his defensive line. Minnesota has no human bodies as large as Pierce or Joseph on its current defensive roster. And those types of behemoths aren’t exactly easy to find.

The Vikings have a hodgepodge of defensive tackles that can swat at the idea of replacing Pierce’s production, but none are classified as true nose tackles. Some suitors include Armon Watts, Jaleel Johnson, Shamar Stephen, and Jalyn Holmes. Do you know any of those guys?

Zimmer will likely concoct a cogent solution as he is reputationally a defensive guru. But the process will not be effortless. Maybe the Vikings will put in a call to Damon “Snacks” Harrison?

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