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Marcus Washington (outside linebacker)
He, too, has been injury prone, but we don't need a starter.
Last year showed how valuable a backup can be for the Vikings. When E.J. Henderson went down, the Vikings couldn't find a reliable linebacker to replace their captain.
Behind Napoleon Harris, the Vikings don't have any depth at the position. Heath Farwell is a special teams player and draft pick Jasper Brinkley is only a rookie. It remains to be seen how well he can play.
Washington is a solid pass-rusher and has the size and ability to defend the pass.
Chris McAlister (cornerback)
He missed quite a few games the last two seasons, playing for the physical Baltimore Ravens.
He was released this past offseason due to salary cap issues.
While the Vikings already have Antoine Winfield manning the number one position, McAlister would do well as a backup to Winfield and Griffin or even starting in place of Griffin.
With 26 career interceptions, he would help a defense that combined for only 12 last season.
McAlister would do best if he can roam the field. He could make a good safety as well.
Mike McKenzie (cornerback)
His role diminished as the season went on. He battled nagging injuries and couldn't find his stride again.
After being released from the Saints, McKenzie is looking for a new home and, at 33, he likely won't find a starting job.
The Vikings need a nickel corner. With Charles Gordon being the immediate option, McKenzie wouldn't have much competition.
With McKenzie lacking the speed to cover the deep routes, he would best fill in doing what the Vikings have struggled to do in recent years, defending the slant routes.
He would join a long list of former Packers to join the Vikings.
Corey Chavous (safety)
The cornerback turned safety flourished with the Vikings during his four-year tenure.
In 2003, he made eight interceptions and earned his only trip to the Pro Bowl.
After the 2005 season, he was allowed to test the free agent market due to high salary demands.
With second-year player Tyrell Johnson ready to man the strong safety position, Chavous could provide excellent depth as well as spot starts to ease Johnson's transition to a starting role.
He is a tackling machine who would be welcomed back for his second stint with the Vikings.
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