Three possible scenarios for the Vikings defensive tackles next season

With Vikings DT Michael Pierce reportedly opting out of the 2020 season, here are some possible scenarios for the Vikings interior defensive line.

Jaleel Johnson and Shamar Stephen

Photo: Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports

This is the likeliest option of the three I’m going to list.

Similar to Pierce, Johnson is a big-bodied defensive tackle.

Stephen, despite having tough competition for the three-technique defensive tackle position, is the returning starter, so it makes sense that he would win this spot in a year where training camp and the offseason is rather unconventional.

Stephen had 21 total tackles, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in 15 starts this past season.

Johnson, despite being a bigger-bodied defensive tackle, has flashed some promise in the pass rush. He had 3.5 sacks in just three starts and 16 games played. He also had five quarterback hits.

These two would be a serviceable pairing that would have a somewhat similar defensive style to that of Pierce and whoever was likely paired with him.