Pending Free Agents for Vikings Fans to Watch in the Division Round
Josh Frey
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Since the Minnesota Vikings aren’t among the Elite Eight teams remaining in the NFL playoffs this year, fans of the franchise have the opportunity to treat these games as sort of auditions for future coaching and free agent prospects. Minnesota is a bit cap-strapped at the moment, but there are multiple paths to get the money situation under control.
As soon as they get the financial side of things squared away, Minnesota needs to be targeting free agents to help their 2022 squad. Here are four that will be in action this weekend for Vikings fandom to keep an eye on.
C Ben Jones (Tennessee Titans)
Since being drafted in 2012, Ben Jones has become one of the most consistent players at the center position in the entire NFL. In 2020, he ranked among the best centers per PFF. He had an overall grade of 78.6 during that season, and he earned himself the seventh overall spot going into 2021. Then this year, Jones recreated that steady performance level, grading out at 77.8 in 2021, including a run blocking grade of 77.4.
It’s no secret that the Minnesota Vikings need some help along the interior of their offensive line, especially at the center position. Jones is 32 years old, so he likely won’t command the money of a top free agent like Ryan Jensen. While Jones may have hit his peak, he should have at least 3-4 more years of consistent football in him. In fact, PFF is projecting him to get a contract in the realm of three years, $20 million.
Just as a reminder, Garrett Bradbury’s contract has him making $4.1 million in 2022. That means if the Vikings trade Bradbury for a Day Three pick or even just cash, they can get a significant upgrade for just $2.5 million more. Minnesota should absolutely offer Jones a contract this offseason if they can get him that cheap.
WR Demarcus Robinson (Kansas City Chiefs)
Part of that vaunted Kansas City Chiefs receiver group will be hitting free agency this offseason. Of that crew, Demarcus Robinson easily had the most underwhelming season of the group. After increasing his targets, receptions, and receiving yards in every year of his career, 2021 brought lows in each that we haven’t seen from Robinson since 2018.
Alas, barring a ridiculous playoff performance this weekend, that may end up having an effect on the contract that he can bring in going into 2022. Robinson doesn’t have a stand-out 40-yard dash that most speedsters have, but his ability to break away from defenders is apparent on tape. The Vikings already have a terrific trio of wide receivers in Justin Jefferson, KJ Osborn, and Adam Thielen, but the ability to add another deep threat for whoever is the OC could be a luxury that Minnesota desires.
CB K’Waun Williams (San Francisco)
K’Waun Williams was a key reserve in the 49ers’ secondary during 2021, and it helped that group allow the sixth-fewest passing yards in 2021. He also earned himself eight starts this year, and while there were times he found himself falling behind the better receivers, he held his own. Finishing the regular season, PFF seems to agree that he was just about average at the cornerback position, grading out at 63.3.
For the Minnesota Vikings, it would probably be a failure if Williams is the premiere CB that they get this offseason. There are too many good ones in the draft, and Patrick Peterson’s return should be a priority as well. That said, depth behind the stars is equally important. Mackensie Alexander, Bashaud Breeland, and Kris Boyd largely failed to do that in 2021. By bringing in Williams, hopefully he can help do a better job of that in 2022.