If you’re just tuning in, we’re in the middle of a breakdown of the Minnesota Vikings’ roster. We’ve already covered the offensive positions and are in the second week of the defense. Last week we covered the defensive line, this week we move on to the linebackers.
The rest of the Vikings’ roster is undergoing a fair amount of change, but the linebacker group is still retaining the top three and four of the top five members from last season. Linebackers are often overlooked in today’s NFL, but Mike Zimmer will be counting on this group to stabilize the defense in 2020.
Eric Kendricks has been a good middle linebacker for years, and the rest of the nation is just starting to take notice. He has always been a sure tackler, but this year his pass defense took a leap forward – he was credited with 12 pass breakups, many of which came in high-pressure situations. The 28-year-old was graded as the best linebacker in the league last season by Pro Football Focus and is under contract for the next four seasons.
Anthony Barr had verbally agreed to a contract with the New York Jets last offseason before changing his mind and coming back to Minnesota on a 5-year, $67.5 million deal. Kendricks played the most snaps last year amongst linebackers (947), but Barr was right behind him with 929. It’s questionable whether he’ll be able to live up to the monster deal he signed, but there’s no doubt the 28-year-old made some splash plays throughout the season.
Eric Wilson is the third linebacker, which means he’s technically a starter, but the Vikings were usually in the nickel formation, so he only played 379 snaps last season. Wilson re-signed with the team on a one-year deal, so the 25-year-old linebacker will be back in 2020.
Ben Gedeon will be the primary backup linebacker this season, a role he’s been in since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. The 25-year-old LB only saw the field 102 times last season, but in the past has shown the ability to step in and start games when needed.
If you look at the past two seasons, the Vikings have only kept five linebackers on the opening day roster, but if you look back over the past six seasons, the team averages six. I think this is a year when the team opts to keep six, meaning the following two players will likely make the final 53:
Cameron Smith was a fifth-round pick in 2019 and he saw action in five games last season. He played well when he was on the field and has a good chance of making the roster.
Troy Dye was a fourth-round pick back in April. He won’t play much this season, as it will take him a while to get adjusted to the NFL because of the lack of an offseason – but when he finally sees the field, I think he will make a big impression.
If the Vikings keep a linebacker on the practice squad, it will be a battle between Jordan Fehr, DeMarquis Gates, and Blake Lynch.
Do you think Barr was worth the contract he signed in 2019? Reach out to me on Twitter (@JordanWrightNFL) and let me know. Skol!