Free Agents the Minnesota Vikings Should Have on Their Radar

Analyst Written on July 05, 2009

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Matt Jones #18 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on November 25, 2007. The Jaguars beat the Bills 36-14. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

With the NFL season nearly two months away, the free-agent market has been picked through and the best players are well on their way with their new teams.

The Vikings haven't turned to free agency this season to improve their roster. Their only pickups to date are wide receiver/special teams player Glenn Holt and cornerback Karl Paymah.

For a pass defense that ranked 18 and a pass offense that ranked 25, those aren't the upgrades you want.

The biggest problem the Vikings face is depth. They have little to none on the defensive side of the ball.

While the Vikings don't have a ton of money to spend, there are still some free agents that could potentially make a big impact for the Vikings.

Matt Jones (wide receiver)

He was released this past offseason due to drug and alcohol related charges. He has been suspended several times by the Jaguars for his substance abuse and recently violated his probation by drinking alcohol at a golf course.

While he has some history of poor behavior, he would still be a solid addition for the Vikings.

He has deceptive speed and really started to prove that he was a reliable wide receiver, catching 65 balls for 761 yards and two touchdowns. That was only in 12 games, too.

His 6'6" frame would be great next to Bernard Berrian. It's amazing that he hasn't acquired any interest in the free-agent market.

Marvin Harrison (wide receiver)

He's old. Glad we got that out of the way.

He still caught more balls than any other receiver on the Vikings' roster.

He's had some injury problems over the last two seasons, but still has great hands and would compliment a speedy Berrian.

Harrison is a possession receiver now, something the Vikings could use.

The only way the Vikings should sign him is at a salary cap friendly contract, but I don't see that happening.

Jon Runyan (offensive tackle)

He's up there in age, but the Vikings don't really have a solid option at right tackle yet.

I'm all for Phil Loadholt starting, but if he or Bryant McKinnie gets injured, the Vikings don't have a reliable backup.

Runyan has experience protecting Donovan McNabb and blocking for Brian Westbrook.

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Free Agents the Minnesota Vikings Should Have on Their Radar

Andy Rarick

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Matt Jones

Marvin Harrison

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