Fansided

4 free agents the Minnesota Vikings should happily let leave

By Brad Berreman

Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) celebrates the win after the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Greg Joseph (1) celebrates the win after the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

2. TE Irv Smith Jr.

If the best ability is availability, Smith has failed lately. He missed all of the 2021 season after suffering a torn meniscus in his knee. A thumb injury in the 2022 preseason did not wind up costing him regular season games, but an ankle injury in Week 8 did cost him nine games. In the eight regular season games he played this year, he had 25 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns.

In something of win-now mode the Vikings moved quickly to replace Smith as their No. 1 tight end, acquiring T.J. Hockenson from the divisional rival Detroit Lions at the trade deadline. The former top-10 overall pick (in the same draft the Vikings took Smith in the second round, 2019) was very productive as a Viking, with 60 catches in 10 regular season games and another 10 grabs in the playoff loss to the Giants.

Hockenson is under contract through next season on his fifth-year option. At still just 26 years old by the time next season starts, a contract extension to keep him around long-term is certainly in play.

The Vikings can find or keep (Johnny Mundt?) a suitable, cheap No. 2 tight end behind Hockenson this offseason with no trouble. Smith was literally replaced atop the depth chart, and replaced to the fullest extent possible with the new regime having replaced the one that drafted him.

Smith will depart Minnesota with a lot of unrealized potential, which he may very well realize elsewhere if he can be healthy. But there’s no question his time in purple should be over.

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