Sep 8, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) reacts during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
The 2023 Minnesota Vikings finished with an underwhelming 7-10 record. However, much of that can be attributed to Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury right when the team played like a contending team and the subsequent QB carousel. His free agency journey ended quickly after signing with the Atlanta Falcons, but six other players from last year’s team are still available.
The article will only take into account those who played at least one snap in 2023.
1. Anthony Barr
Dec 16, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) celebrates with linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Undoubtedly the most recognizable name on the list, longtime Vikings’ linebacker Anthony Barr is still waiting for a chance. He turned 32 in February and is long past his football prime, but the Vikings needed another linebacker on the team when Jordan Hicks was placed on IR, so they called their old friend.
Fans were excited about the signing because of their memories of the four-time Pro Bowler, but he remained in a depth role, playing 49 snaps on defense and 11 on special teams. He will end his career sooner rather than later but hasn’t announced his retirement and seemingly wants to give it another shot.
2. Nick Vigil
Sep 12, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Nick Vigil (59) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (np) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Fellow linebacker Nick Vigil started next to Barr in 2021 under Mike Zimmer, and similarly to the star linebacker, he received a call to be a depth player for his former team. The Vikes signed him to the practice squad, but he was promoted to the 53-man roster in November. He appeared in eight games and 116 snaps on special teams.
Vigil will turn 31 in August but is an excellent bet to find a new home as a special team and backup linebacker in the next two months.
3. Chris Reed
Jul 28, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Chris Reed (62) performs a drill during training camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota’s guard spots have been iffy for years, but folks felt confident in Chris Reed when he joined from the Colts in 2022, where he was a solid replacement on an excellent offensive line. With the Vikings, Reed couldn’t enter the lineup, and injuries have kept him sidelined for extended periods in both seasons with the team.
Last year, Reed ironically appeared in two games and logged two snaps on special teams and two snaps on offense. He’ll turn 32 in July, and health has been a major question mark for the guard, but he could surely upgrade a backup guard spot somewhere in the league.
4. Joejuan Williams
Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Joejuan Williams (29) covers Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback Joejuan Williams once was a promising second-rounder in New England, but he hasn’t developed into the starting defender Bill Belichick hoped for. The Vikings kept him on the practice squad as an emergency backup for the young group with starter Akayleb Evans, rookie Mekhi Blackmon, and previously injury-plagued Andrew Booth.
Williams played in two games with the Vikings and registered 48 defensive snaps and 14 on special teams. The Vikings released him in May to make room for returning lineman James Lynch.
5. Sheldon Day
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) recovers his fumble next to Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Day (52) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.
The defensive tackle group was thin last season, so NFL journeyman Sheldon Day earned a spot on the practice squad. Later in the year, Day was signed to the 53-man roster. Overall, he played 126 snaps on defense, which is the most of the players on the list.
He just turned 30 but could provide depth to an organization after collecting eight tackles in 2023. He has 73 career games on his resume.
6. Cam Akers
Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Running back Cam Akers was a trade acquisition early in the season when the Vikings continued their rushing struggles. He reunited with former offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and slowly stole some touches from Alexander Mattison. A torn Achilles tendon prematurely ended his season and stopped his yardage count at 208 in six games.
Akers is coming off his second torn Achilles, so it remains to be seen if he still possesses the required explosiveness to be a running back in the NFL. The Vikings are reportedly interested in re-signing him if he can pass a physical.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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Publish date : 2024-07-03 19:34:10
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