Now that the news about the Minnesota Vikings re-signing Patrick Peterson has calmed the fanbase down about their cornerback situation, curious minds want to know what moves might be coming next.
Although they’re far away from having to play the first games on their schedule, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding the current regime, having hired a new head coach and general manager. With so many browsing the web, looking for the latest Vikings rumors, we’re here to add a few more to the mix.
As you know, the Vikings are far from having a set roster as the 2022 NFL Draft approaches. While they may be in a better position than before the Pat Pete signing, there are still more roster needs to address.
Here are three more moves the Minnesota Vikings should make before the season kicks off in September.
Strengthen the trenches to support Kirk Cousins
I get it, Vikings fans want JC Tretter to play the pivot. We do too, Tretter’s potential signing was covered here and another dream scenario here, so we’re picking an alternative upgrade over Garrett Bradbury. In this case, Matt Paradis serves as a more affordable veteran option if Tretter’s knee worries or asking price is a concern within the front office.
Paradis, 32, has started 98 games at center in his seven-year NFL career. He won a Super Bowl with the Broncos during his rookie season, starting all 19 games in 2015. Unfortunately, Paradis tore his ACL in November and that could be the cause for a slow-developing market for his services. He may not be ready for the start of the year, but the team still has Bradbury and Austin Schlottmann who can do just fine should Paradis have to miss some time.
No hope for Bradbury?
Of course there’s still some potential upside with Bradbury, especially now that he has a new coach, coordinator and offensive scheme. Some, not all, young offensive linemen tend to take a few years before they find their footing at the next level. Brian Allen, who was a center with the Rams during Kevin O’Connell’s tenure was one player who improved greatly playing in a new scheme. Bradbury could very well be one of these cases.
A strong run blocker, Bradbury just needs to find a way to hold up better at the point of attack against stronger nose tackles. Thus far, he has proven incapable, ranking 38th in pass protection grades among centers per Pro Football Focus. But he’s also suffered a myriad of injuries and strange shortened/limited offseasons. Maybe this can be the year he puts it all together?
In the end, the Vikings shouldn’t hesitate to at least bring in more competition for his starting role, if not replace him altogether. For what it’s worth, coach KOC offered Bradbury praise in his opening press conference, which at least provides some hope.