More Minnesota Vikings Moves
By: Ross Blilie
3–16–2023
Updated as of 3–21–2023
In the last two days, the Minnesota Vikings have been busy making moves to shore up their veteran roster. Today, KAM and Harrison Smith worked out a deal to keep Smith on the team for a little while longer. I think this is a great move because it helps the defense keep somewhat in tact. Even though there will be new players in some positions, keeping a player like Harrison Smith around helps the others to know what the little things are that happen during a game. He is a great team captain.
In addition with the restructuring of Smith’s contract to keep him on the team, the team also made a new deal with Alexander Mattison. His new contract is going to be for two seasons. This is good news for us fans because Mattison, as Cook’s backup, played pretty well when asked to. His knowledge and comfortablility with O’Connell’s offense helps keep things stable in the backfield.
Speaking of stability, it has also been reported that Kicker Greg Joseph and Long Snapper Andrew DaPaola have new contracts this offseason. This is also good because the two work very well together. Joseph didn’t miss many extra points and field goals last season. Yes, I realize that his percentage last season didn’t seem very good, but when Joseph needed to make a big kick, he was there and followed through. So there is stability on Special Teams.
A third move that KAM has made recently is the signing of Byron Murphy from the Arizona Cardinals. He was considered one of the top free agents available for the defensive back position. Having him play versitile positions will be fun to watch.
Update: Since the Vikings have agreed to terms with Offensive Lineman Oli Udoh, they now have agreed to terms with Defensive Lineman Jonathan Bullard. It’s not real big news, but it is a good sign that some players from last season will be sticking around. This helps the depth of the team because they’ve got players that know the system and can teach it to the new players.
Ross Blilie is an avid NFL fan of the Minnesota Vikings since the 1990’s. He loves to talk about the NFL and the Vikings every chance he gets. His hobbies also include bowling with his wife and friends, narrating audiobooks, fishing, and even sitting by a campfire with family at Lake Blackduck in Minnesota. You can find Ross on twitter & Instagram @Rossthenarrator.
