Top DT in Draft Lands Back on Vikings Radar
when they want to shake things up and make some changes. In this case, the Vikings parted ways with Linval Joseph and Shamar Stephen, two key players on their defensive line. Joseph, a former Pro Bowler, had been with the team for six seasons, while Stephen had spent five seasons in Minnesota. The decision to release these two players was not taken lightly, as they were both important contributors to the team’s success in recent years.
The departure of Joseph and Stephen leaves a significant void on the Vikings’ defensive line. Joseph, in particular, was a dominant force in the middle of the defense, using his size and strength to clog up running lanes and disrupt opposing offenses. Stephen, while not as flashy as Joseph, was a reliable run-stopper and played a key role in the Vikings’ defensive scheme.
So why did the Vikings decide to move on from these two players? There are a few factors that likely played a role in the decision. First and foremost, both players were getting older and their performance had started to decline. Joseph, who will turn 32 in October, was coming off a season in which he recorded just 44 tackles and three sacks, his lowest totals since his rookie year. Stephen, who will turn 29 in February, also saw a drop in his production, finishing the season with 34 tackles and one sack.
Additionally, the Vikings may have been looking to free up salary cap space. Joseph was set to count $12.95 million against the cap in 2020, while Stephen was due to count $5.3 million. By releasing both players, the Vikings were able to save over $10 million in cap space, which they could then use to address other needs on the roster.
But releasing Joseph and Stephen was not just about their age or their salary. The Vikings also likely felt that they needed to make some changes on defense in order to improve their performance. The team’s defense struggled at times in 2019, particularly against the run, and the front office may have felt that it was time to shake things up and bring in some new blood.
To that end, the Vikings wasted no time in finding replacements for Joseph and Stephen. In free agency, they signed former Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce to a three-year, $27 million contract. Pierce, who is just 27 years old, is known for his ability to stuff the run and should help shore up the Vikings’ defensive line. The team also used a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to select defensive tackle James Lynch out of Baylor, adding some young talent to the position.
With these moves, the Vikings have set themselves up for success on the defensive line in the coming season. While it’s always tough to see key players leave, the team has shown that they are willing to make the tough decisions in order to improve and compete at a high level. Joseph and Stephen will be missed, but the Vikings are confident that they have the pieces in place to continue their strong defensive play in 2020 and beyond.
Source: Vikings Territory
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