The Minnesota Vikings have used an interesting strategy during free agency to try and maximize the roster. The main strategy they used was to maximize the compensatory formula . Two of their big signings were at defensive tackle in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
Not only did the Vikings give them big contracts to fix the interior pass rush, but they have one thing in common that brings some level of controversy: they were both injured and released by their former teams.
NFL executive criticizes Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s free agency plan
Signing injured players has been a calling card for the Vikings over the past few years. The idea is to bring them in at somewhat of a discount and trust the medial team to keep them healthy. It’s worked multiple times already with Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman being the latest examples.
That hasn’t resonated across the league, as The Athletic’s Mike Sando spoke to executives across the league and one had heavy criticism for Adofo-Mensah’s process.
The interesting element with that strategy of the 2015 Indianapolis Colts? It was orchestrated by general manager Ryan Grigson, who is now Adofo-Mensah’s right hand man.
There is merit to how Adofo-Mensah is approaching this free agency cycle and it boils down to what the Vikings have that the Colts didn’t: a fantastic medical staff. They have data that says they can keep players healthy more than the average franchise.
That will be put to the test for the Vikings this year, and if it works, they could be holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year.
