Vikings reportedly reach deal with top defensive free agent
The Vikings make a big addition on the first day of the legal tampering period.
The Vikings have been very active at the beginning of the 2023 legal tampering period.
In the past week, the team has released wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks. Additionally, the team restructured the deals of Ross Blacklock and Jordan Hicks to free up more cap space.
On the first day of the legal tampering period, the Vikings added tight end Josh Oliver. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Vikings are also expected to sign edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
Per Rapoport, the deal will be one-year, $13 million.
he veteran edge was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Davenport spent five seasons with the Saints, and developed into a quality pass rusher.
Davenport's best season came in 2021 when he collected nine sacks, 39 tackles, and nine tackles for loss.
Davenport was one of the top edge rushers available in this free agent class. The one knock on Davenport has been his availability- he has yet to play a full season in his career.
Injury concerns probably explain the one-year deal. This is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Vikings. The addition of Davenport could mean Za'Darius Smith's time in the Twin Cities is coming to an end.
