Minnesota Vikings free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 15: Melvin Ingram III #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 20: Romeo Okwara #95 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

3. Romeo Okwara

Okwara picked the right time in his career to play his best football. He was largely anonymous for 4+ years in Detroit before catching fire down the stretch in 2020. That makes calibrating his free agency value a very tricky proposition.

Most teams are going to put more stock in his mediocre career rather than his hot finish. The Vikings might be smart to bet on the truth of Okwara’s value lying somewhere in between. He probably won’t notch double-digit sacks for a consecutive season in 2021, but he could settle in as a nice No. 2 pass-rushing option for Minnesota.

Okwara also has the size to help Zimmer’s defense set the edge against the run. He’s not a one-trick pony as a sack artist like quite a few other guys who are hitting the open market. His versatility should make him an appealing addition for Minnesota.

It’s worth noting that Okwara is hitting the free agent market at a relatively young age. He’ll only be 26-years-old when the 2021 season kicks off. Putting a little speculative money on a late-blooming pass rusher would be a smart gamble by the Vikings.

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