**Minnesota Vikings’ Offseason Offensive Line Overhaul: Top Guard Targets in Free Agency**
After a disastrous Wild Card loss highlighted by **nine sacks allowed**,
the Minnesota Vikings face a critical offseason focused on rebuilding their interior offensive line. With guards **Dalton Risner** (free agent) and **Ed Ingram** (potential cut candidate) likely departing, and **Blake Brandel** struggling in his first year as a starter, GM **Kwesi Adofo-Mensah** must prioritize upgrades. Below, we break down top free-agent guard targets at varying price points to fortify a unit that ranked **27th in pass-blocking efficiency** in 2024.
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### **Top Shelf Options**
**1. Trey Smith (KC Chiefs)**
– **Projected Contract**: 4 years, $78.8M ($19.7M AAV)
– **Why He Fits**: The 25-year-old Pro Bowler allowed **zero sacks** in 2024 and ranked top-10 among guards in PFF grades. His youth and dominance make him a franchise cornerstone, but his $20M+ price tag could strain Minnesota’s $60M cap space.
– **Risk**: Chiefs may let him walk due to cost, opening the door for a Vikings splash.
**2. Will Fries (IND Colts)**
– **Projected Contract**: $14.1M AAV
– **Why He Fits**: Fries posted an **86.9 PFF grade** (4th among guards) before a Week 5 tibia fracture derailed his season. At 26, he’s a high-upside gamble if healthy by training camp.
– **Risk**: Injury history (4–6 month recovery) and re-injury concerns.
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### **Smart Investments**
**1. Teven Jenkins (CHI Bears)**
– **Projected Contract**: $10.3M AAV
– **Why He Fits**: A versatile 6’6”, 321-pound mauler, Jenkins ranked top-20 in run/pass blocking despite Chicago’s league-worst sack total.
– **Risk**: Chronic injuries (missed 19 games since 2021) and durability questions.
**2. Mekhi Becton (PHI Eagles)**
– **Projected Contract**: $10.2M AAV
– **Why He Fits**: The 6’7”, 363-pound former tackle thrived at guard in 2024, earning a **75.2 PFF grade** and helping Philly win Super Bowl LIX. At 25, he’s a breakout candidate.
– **Risk**: Eagles may retain him, and his Jets tenure featured knee issues.
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### **Bargain Bin Targets**
**1. James Daniels (PIT Steelers)**
– **Projected Contract**: $7.8M AAV
– **Why He Fits**: Daniels posted a **92.9 PFF grade** (2nd among guards) before a Week 4 Achilles tear. At 27, he’s a low-risk, high-reward reclamation project.
– **Risk**: Recovery timeline and post-injury performance uncertainty.
**2. Evan Brown (ARI Cardinals)**
– **Projected Contract**: $4.7M AAV
– **Why He Fits**: A versatile veteran (started 17 games at LG in 2024), Brown’s **65.9 PFF grade** and affordability align with Minnesota’s youth movement.
– **Risk**: Inconsistent play across five teams in six seasons.
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### **The Bottom Line**
The Vikings’ offensive line woes demand bold moves. While **Trey Smith** offers elite talent, his cost could force Adofo-Mensah to pivot to cheaper, high-ceiling options like **Teven Jenkins** or **Mekhi Becton**. Bargain targets like **James Daniels** provide upside if health cooperates. With rookie QB **J.J. McCarthy** potentially under center, protecting the pocket is non-negotiable.
*Will Minnesota splurge on a star or bet on potential? Stay tuned.*
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