Left tackle Matt Kalil has been largely a disappointment since being drafted fourth overall by the Vikings in 2012. After a decent rookie season, Kalil struggled in his second and third years, but did bounce back slightly in 2015.
The Vikings last year picked up Kalil’s fifth-year option worth $11.1 million but that money does not become guaranteed until the start of the new league year, giving the Vikings a window during which to make a decision on whether they want to keep Kalil, let him go or try to re-do his contract.
Letting Kalil walk would free up $11 million in cap space but would also leave the Vikings searching for a new left tackle.