NFL Free Agency isn't over yet, but we're nearly through the first month and over 100 players have signed. Among the teams close to being finished is the Minnesota Vikings. The front office didn't have a boatload of cap space to work with, but they found a way to make a few notable moves this free agency.
This grades include trades, retirements, signings, re-signings and releases. With that in mind, here's our free agency grade for the Vikings.
Key Additions/Re-Signings:
RB Latavius Murray, WR Adam Thielen, OT Riley Reiff, OT Mike Remmers, OLB Datone Jones, CB Terence Newman
Minnesota really needed to address their offensive line situation this offseason, and they did so by signing two established, proven veterans in Reiff and Remmers. Murray was a good addition and will be Minnesota's lead back, and Jones will be a depth rusher. Thielen and Newman also have carved out vital roles with the team, so re-signing them was necessary.
Key Losses/Cuts:
RB Adrian Peterson (unsigned), WR Cordarrelle Patterson (Raiders), WR Charles Johnson (Panthers), TE Rhett Ellison (Giants), OT Matt Kalil (Panthers), OT Andre Smith (Bengals), LB Audie Cole (Jaguars), CB Captain Munnerlyn (Panthers), P Jeff Locke (Colts)
There's a lot to dissect here. Peterson simply wasn't worth the massive salary he was due if Minnesota had kept him under contract, so letting him go was a smart move. Johnson, Kalil and Smith all weren't performing that well, and the Vikings found upgrades for them. However, the losses of Patterson and Munnerlyn will hurt.
Patterson was limited as a wide receiver, but he is one of the league's best return men, and Munnerlyn is an excellent nickel corner the Vikings don't appear to have a legitimate replacement for right now.
Grade: B+
Minnesota made several smart moves, upgrading their offensive line at key positions while making cuts to get rid of bad contracts. There are still some holes they need to fill through the draft, specifically at the nickel spot, but they did a great job overall.
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