Vikings have little space to spend with big holes on defense

Updated Mar. 14, 2022 6:16 p.m. ET

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-9)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Patrick Peterson, LB Anthony Barr, DE Everson Griffen, S Xavier Woods, DT Sheldon Richardson, TE Tyler Conklin, CB Mackensie Alexander, LB Nick Vigil, C Mason Cole, P Jordan Berry, T Rashod Hill, WR Dede Westbrook, G Dakota Dozier, QB Sean Mannion, DE Eddie Yarbrough, TE Chris Herndon, TE Luke Stocker, WR Chad Beebe, RB Wayne Gallman, DE Tashawn Bower.

NEEDS: The defense again has significant holes at all three levels, as new coach Kevin O'Connell takes over and veteran defensive coordinator Ed Donatell installs a new system for a unit that gave up the third-most yards and ninth-most points in the NFL last season. Eight of their 14 most-used defensive players in 2021 were signed as free agents just last year, and of those only DT Dalvin Tomlinson is still under contract for 2022. The most pressing need is again at CB, with Cameron Dantzler (17 career games started) currently the most experienced player at the position. Peterson and Barr would be difficult to replace but just as tricky to afford given the team's tight salary-cap situation. The greatest need on offense is at right guard, but affording a proven starter in free agency would be a challenge.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $2.4 million over.

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Minnesota Vikings

National Football League

Tashawn Bower

Mackensie Alexander

Luke Stocker

Cameron Dantzler Sr.

Everson Griffen

Dalvin Tomlinson

Sheldon Richardson

Nick Vigil

Sean Mannion

Wayne Gallman

Patrick Peterson

Chris Herndon

Xavier Woods

Anthony Barr

Dakota Dozier

Dede Westbrook

Jordan Berry

Rashod Hill

Mason Cole

Minnesota Vikings