Defense was the name of the game for the Minnesota Vikings for much of the 2023 season. When Kirk Cousins went down mid-season and the offense sputtered, the defense was left to pick up the slack. And pick it up they did!
The 2023 Minnesota Vikings defense was a much-improved unit under the tutelage of former Miami Dolphins head coach and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Flores’ defensive scheme kept opposing offenses guessing all season, and the defense is the primary reason why the Vikings were (at least theoretically) still in the NFC playoff picture until the last two weeks of the season.
For better or worse, the Vikings have a lot of talent on the defense that is scheduled to hit the open market during the NFL’s free agency period this year. The biggest name is EDGE rusher Danielle Hunter, but there are a couple of key names – whether starters or depth pieces – with him that could leave.
Whether they leave or re-sign with the Vikings, Minnesota is going to have to be active in the NFL’s free agency period in some capacity to fill out the roster. A roster that could have several large holes, particularly at EDGE rusher. Here are six players who could help plug the hole at that position.