The free agency window officially opens on March 17. For now, the Vikings are not in a great place to move.
Minnesota has already accepted agreements with DE Stephen Weatherly. However, the team seems to be over the salary limit. If the $ 180 million floor reaches the salary cap, Minnesota will have to make some tough decisions to free up space.
Here are some of the decisions the team could make before signing more players. Now, I do not agree with all this, but all are possibilities at this time. Here is the complete list:
K and Bailey
Minnesota Vikings kicker Dan Bailey. Photo; AP Photo / Jason Behnken
The Vikings amass $ 1.7 million in ceiling savings and $ 2.1 million in dead money by deciding to cut Bailey, according to Over The Cap.
Bailey fought hard last season. Two of his last three NFL seasons have been inconsistent. The team also signed Greg Joseph this season. It might be time to move on from Bailey.
P Britton Colquitt
Minnesota Vikings punctuator Britton Colquitt. Photo: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
By letting Colquitt go, Minnesota saves over $ 1.7 million in ceiling savings and attracts over $ 1.4 million in dead money, per Over The Cap.
This is another move that would not create massive lid space. However, it is a movement that makes sense. Colquitt sometimes fought last season and has an expensive contract for a player. Minnesota could cut it and sign a cheaper pointer during the free agency window.
DT Shamar Stephen
Minnesota Vikings defensive attack Shamar Stephen. Photo: AP Photo / David Berding
Shamar Stephen had a PFF grade of 61.7 at the nose position. With Michael Pierce probably in Minnesota next season, it may not make much sense to keep Stephen’s contract. Of course, Pierce will not play over 600 photos, but Stephen still remains with his current business is still difficult to rationalize.
The Vikings get $ 3.75 million in head savings and receive a death blow of more than $ 1.3 million with the move to cut it on Over The Cap. If Stephen is not a beginner in a nose attack or a three-technique defensive attack next season, his contract could be too expensive.
LT Riley Reiff
Riley Reiff, Minnesota Vikings offensive striker. Photo: AP Photo / David Berding
I especially don’t want the Vikings to do this. I think the team should give priority to trying to keep Reiff this season. He is a good left-back and, based on that, his contract is by no means blatant.
Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported that the Vikings want to restructure with Reiff this season. Hopefully the team can do this, but if not, the savings on the cover would make this move tempting for them.
The Vikings save $ 11.75 million if they cut it and bear $ 3.2 million in dead money. In general, they shouldn’t break up with Reiff, but the team could do that to fall below the salary cap.