Vikings free agency: Pass or pursue these 6 impact free agents still available

Richard Sherman, cornerback

The Vikings have a young cornerback group with rookies Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler starting 25 times between them in 2020. There was promise there, but also youthful struggles. So it makes sense the team has been linked to a veteran cornerback like Sherman.

When it comes to leadership, Sherman is in a class of his own. However, he’s 33 years old and he dealt with injury issues last season with the 49ers. He probably still has plenty to give a defense like Minnesota’s, but his addition would come at a cost. Whoever gets the former Seahawk won’t be getting him on the cheap. If the Vikings couldn’t make Bashoud Breeland happy with their offer, it’s doubtful they could throw enough at Sherman to make it happen.

Verdict: Pass

Geno Atkins, defensive lineman

Minnesota is rebuilding the defensive line in 2021. They’ve already picked up Dalvin Tomlinson from the Giants and brought back Stephen Weatherly after a brief odyssey in Carolina. They may also get a welcome return from Danielle Hunter, but he’s holding out, so his future is uncertain.

The Vikings could get some reassurances on the defensive line by adding Atkins to the picture as a veteran pass rusher. He didn’t have a sack in 2020 and only had 4.5 in 2019, but he managed nine or more each season from 2015 to 2018.

The link has been obvious from the beginning. Mike Zimmer was Atkins’ defensive coordinator in Cincinnati during the best years of his career. Atkins has also worked with new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.

Verdict: Pursue