Much of the success of the Minnesota Vikings comes from their ability to stop the run and get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That starts with the defensive line, where the big guys can shine.
The defensive tackles were a big part of creating good opportunities up front for Minnesota. Their mixture of experience and youth were a recipe for success in 2017 but that unit may not stay intact for 2018.
Let’s take a look at the players at defensive tackle who are under contract heading into the 2018 NFL season and who the team will need to make a decision on heading into the new year according to Spotrac:
Defensive tackles under contract in 2018
- Sharrif Floyd (FA in 2019)
- Jaleel Johnson (FA in 2021)
- Linval Joseph (FA in 2023)
Defensive tackles set to become free agents
- Dylan Bradley (UFA)
- Tom Johnson (UFA)
- Shamar Stephen (UFA)
The Vikings made the smart move of locking down Joseph for the long haul and have a promising young player in J.