The Vikings have lost a lot of talent this offseason, which means players from 2019-20 who didn’t play as much might have to step into bigger roles.
Everson Griffen reportedly announced on Instagram he was leaving. Both starting corners from last season reportedly signed elsewhere. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs was also reportedly traded to the Bills.
Sure the team has 12 draft picks and the rest of free agency to try and fill those holes, but some of the starters who left could be replaced by backups if those backups are good enough.
Here are some of the reserves who might be receiving more playing time next season:
Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo
With Griffen reportedly leaving, filling a void at defensive end becomes crucial. Danielle Hunter is coming off a season in which he had 14.5 sacks, much thanks to Griffen, who kept opposing offensive lines from honing in on Hunter.
Griffen had eight sacks, and the team also reportedly loses Stephen Weatherly, who had three. That’s a lot of production to replace. Maybe the Vikings go to the draft to find an edge rusher, but Odenigbo might be able to step up into a bigger role.
Either way, Odenigbo will receive more playing time now that Weatherly is gone, and the Vikings might just find out that he’s ready to start.