The Vikings are entering into another cash-strapped offseason, but after the team makes some difficult roster decisions, it could still have enough space to sign someone in free agency.
Pro Football Focus thinks that, if that’s the case, the Vikings should go out and get a defensive lineman. The outlet tabbed Broncos DL Shelby Harris as a player Minnesota should consider. Harris is set to be a free agent in March and could slot in for the Vikings at either the defensive end spot opposite Danielle Hunter or a three-technique defensive tackle position.
Here is what PFF said about Harris and the Vikings:
“The Vikings don’t have much salary cap space to play with, so an under-the-radar player like Shelby Harris might make a lot of sense. Harris has an overall PFF grade of at least 76.0 in each of the past four seasons and can cause problems against the run and pass. This season, he had 27 total pressures and 19 defensive stops on only 441 snaps.”
Looking at Harris’ basic stats, Vikings fans might be a bit concerned as it would appear he’s not that much of an upgrade over Ifeadi Odenigbo. He had just 2.5 sacks in 11 games last season. But his pressure numbers and PFF grade is a good sign. Also a good sign: he had a run defense grade of 76.1 in 2020, which is a better mark than what Odenigbo and Jalyn Holmes had this season. Not only can he be a good option for providing pressure, he’s also a balanced defensive lineman.
The Vikings Gazette also thinks that Harris could be a good fit with Minnesota. The outlet talked about Harris slotting into the three-technique defensive tackle role.