Like many position groups, the Vikings defensive line relied on more inexperienced players in 2020.
Minnesota saw defensive end Everson Griffen and nose tackle Linval Joseph leave in free agency. The team also lost a useful reserve in defensive end Stephen Weatherly.
The Vikings attempted to replace Joseph with Michael Pierce, but Pierce ended up opting out of 2020. Pierce told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press that he has really bad asthma among other respiratory issues, so it was a high-risk opt out.
Danielle Hunter’s season-ending injury added to the Vikings’ difficulties. The new-look defensive line was forced to adapt to missing key players. The group ended up with mixed results in 2020.