DE
Brian Robison (Age 33, 6′ 3, 260 lbs.) had a fantastic 2016 season. He compiled 7.5 sacks and forced 3 fumbles while playing 81% of the defensive snaps. The fan favorite has been incredibly steady throughout his Vikings career, which began in 2007. However, he is getting old, and 2017 is the last year of Robison’s contract. He is due to make $6.6M. The Vikings could release the defensive end and take a dead cap hit of $1M (while creating $6.6M in cap room), but Robison has earned the right to retire as a Viking. More importantly, he can still play at a high level. The team will likely ask him to restructure his contract to ease his $6.6M cap hit, but expect Robison to be in Purple for at least one more season. If I were GM, I’d ask Robison to restructure his contract based on his projected role in 2017.
Danielle Hunter (Age 22, 6′ 5, 252 lbs.) could ultimately develop into the best defensive end the Vikings have ever had. Seriously, he has that much potential. In 2016, Hunter recorded 12.5 sacks and played only 58% of defensive snaps. In 2015, he had 6 sacks and played 36% of snaps. After recording 18.5 sacks through his first two seasons he has shown he is ready for a full-time role. It’s up to head coach Mike Zimmer to handle the defensive end rotation, but expect Hunter to be starting in 2017.
Everson Griffen (Age 29, 6′ 3, 273 lbs.) earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2016. He recorded 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. Other than mental mistakes, Griffen’s game is solid. He remains one of the better 4-3 pass rushers in the NFL. He will make $8.2M in 2017. He is under contract through the 2018 season.
Justin Trattou (Age 28, 6′ 4, 258 lbs.) is predominately a special teams contributor. While he is valued as a veteran, his age makes him expendable. Trattou is a free agent that will likely be re-signed to compete for a roster spot in 2017. That’s what I would do.
Stephen Weatherly (Age 22, 6′ 5, 265 lbs.) went from being cut, to signed to the practice squad, to promoted to the active roster in his rookie season. He played in 2 games and recorded 1 tackle. The 7th-round pick’s strong work ethic paid off, and it might earn him a special teams or backup role next season.
DT
Linval Joseph (Age 28, 6′ 4, 330 lbs.) earned a Pro Bowl appearance after a very good year. Linval Hungry recorded 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles while playing all 16 games. Joseph is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and is under contract through the 2018 season.
Sharrif Floyd (Age 25, 6′ 3, 311 lbs.) has been outstanding when healthy, but health has been his issue lately. He started 12 games in 2015 and appeared in only 1 game in 2016 due to a knee injury. The former 1st-round pick has fallen into Mike Zimmer’s doghouse with the coach questioning his toughness and slow recovery time from injury. Floyd has a $6.75M team option for 2017. If I were GM, I would meet with coach Zimmer and gather his assessment of Floyd to make an informed decision. If Joseph is making $6.8M in 2017 and playing at an elite level, it’s tough to justify paying Floyd $6.75M. My preferred option is to let the young tackle hit free agency and re-sign him to a more reasonable 1 or 2-year, incentive-laden deal.
Shamar Stephen (Age 25, 6′ 5, 310 lbs.) got more playing time in his sophomore year. He played 53% of defensive snaps and 27% of special teams snaps. Not bad for a 7th round pick. Unfortunately he didn’t make much of an impact. He had 39 combined tackles with 0 sacks and fumble recovery. Stephen is entering a contract year and must show he is capable of being a playmaker in 2017 if he wants a second contract in Minnesota.
Tom Johnson (Age 32, 6′ 3, 288 lbs.) has played admirably while filling in for Floyd. In fact, he’s been a solid rotational defensive lineman since 2014. In 2016, he played in 14 games and played 46% of defensive snaps, amassing 11 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception. However, he tore his hamstring late in the season and is due $2.35M in 2017. He can be released with no cap penalty. If I were GM I would release Johnson if Floyd re-signs. There is a strong DT free agent class this offseason and cutting Johnson creates $2.35M of cap space.
Toby Johnson (Age 25, 6′ 4, 325 lbs.) played in 2 games and had 2 tackles in his rookie season. The undrafted tackle out of Georgia jumped around practice squads in 2015 and was signed by Minnesota after Tom Johnson was placed on IR. Toby Johnson is a restricted free agent in 2017 and will likely be offered a low-round tender by the Vikings.
The Vikings have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. However, with the starters getting older, youth and depth must be added sooner rather than later. Defensive tackle is a notable priority heading into the offseason, especially if Floyd is not retained.
If I Were GM 