Aloha, Skoloholics! The legal free agent tampering period continues, and the Vikings made another move late today (Monday). The Vikings are signing edge rusher Marcus Davenport, formerly of the Saints, to a one year deal reportedly worth $13 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
Davenport was a first round pick by the Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft (14th overall). Although he had a down year in 2022, he has been a solid contributor for the Saints ever since being drafted, link courtesy of PFR. Davenport is still young, only 26 years old. The one-year deal gives the Vikings a solid edge rusher for 2023 without causing any future cap issues. (I hope Rick Spielman is watching and learning) If he balls out this year, the Vikings can always sign him to a longer deal, or just move on and accumulate the compensatory pick.
I’m curious to see what this means for Za’Darius Smith or possibly Danielle Hunter, as it would seem that one of them will be hitting the road soon. I’m guessing it will be Z. Smith, but what do I know? (that was a rhetorical question) The defensive roster overhaul continues, and the Vikings made another solid move today.
Hey, the front office is making moves. I hope this will help lay to rest the “Vikings are tanking in 2023” talk, because they most certainly are NOT tanking. I’m excited to see which other moves Kwesi-Adofo Mensah has up his sleeve. SKOL!!!!
Here is Davenport’s RAS Score for those who would like to indulge…
Thanks Mick. Plenty fast!
The real question is will he be a DE or OLB type rusher…. Or both? WHo knows!
I don’t know either
What makes me curious is if they’re going to put guys like Davenport and hunter on the line as 3-4 DE at times rather than edge rushers.
They’re big enough to play in his scheme but they would also be looking to bring in a quicker lighter edge as well.
its tough to say
This was all to ChiVikesFan but I’m a dumb
Is this guy more of a fit in the Flores defense vs Hunter or Smith?
Excellent question, no idea unfortunately. At least they are making moves and are trying to improve the roster as they see fit.
I agree. I prefer to trust in what they are doing this time of year. If and when they fail, the coaches and GM gotta go.
Has to be some further cuts, trades and restructures coming today to get us under the cap. Maybe even another signing or three? 😁