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Detroit Lions, Free Agency: Reviewing in the NFC North

By Jeremy Friedrichs

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates blocking a pass in the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 23, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets won 24-16. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates blocking a pass in the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 23, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets won 24-16. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings

2019 Record: 8-7-1 (2nd in NFC North)

Notable players added: DT Shamar Stephen (SEA), LB Anthony Barr (re-signed)

Notable players lost: DT Sheldon Richardson (CLE), RB Latavius Murray (NO), OL Mike Remmers (released)

Review:

The Vikings shelled out $84 million guaranteed for quarterback Kirk Cousins and $26.3 million guaranteed for offensive tackle and former Lion Riley Reiff last offseason. Hence, they simply don’t have the resources to be a major factor in free agency this year. As such, the Vikings will likely finish the free agency period rather quietly compared to the rest of the NFC North.

The most significant move made by the Vikings was also one of the strangest so far in free agency. Linebacker Anthony Barr, a five-year veteran with the Vikings, seemingly had a deal in place with the New York Jets, yet backed out and returned to Minnesota on a multi-year contract. Barr remains a steady, if unspectacular performer for the Vikings, never having recorded more than four sacks in a season.

The Vikings also return defensive lineman Shamar Stephen after one year with the Seattle Seahawks. He will provide depth up front after interior lineman Sheldon Richardson left to sign a rich deal with the Cleveland Browns.

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On the opposite side of the line, the Vikings parted ways with maligned offensive lineman Mike Remmers after two rough years in Minneapolis. Expect the Vikings to prioritize finding his replacement as well as addressing the offensive front as a whole during the next phase of free agency and early in the upcoming draft.

The backup running back position will also be an interesting one to watch for the Vikings as the offseason moves along. Disgruntled tailback Latavius Murray has moved on the New Orleans Saints, leaving the team with little to be excited about behind starter Dalvin Cook. Considering Cook’s durability concerns – only 15 games played through two seasons – the Vikings will likely add several low cost options to the roster, or they could target one high in the draft.

After taking a big step back in 2018 despite the massive Cousins deal, fewer NFC regimes will be under more pressure than head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman in 2019. With so little wiggle room in free agency and aging players at key roster spots, the Vikings, like the Lions, will need a highly successful draft in order to avoid a repeat of 2018 and possible leadership changes.

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