Minnesota Vikings

Vikings free agency 2017: What defensive ends are available?

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:40 a.m. ET

Fansided, Adam Patrick/FanSided via The Viking Age

Could the Minnesota Vikings choose to add to one of the best positional groups on their roster through free agency this offseason?Definitely not the aspect of the Minnesota Vikings’ roster that is in the most need of improvement before the start of the 2017 season, but the future of their defensive ends may be something that the team has to begin to think about.They definitely have a young stud (in more ways than one according to the ladies of Vikings Twitter) in Danielle Hunter and he should only continue to progress as a force on the field over the next few years. Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates his sack of the Green Bay Packers quarterback and a forced fumble in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports Brian Robison will turn 34-years-old in April and is entering the final year of his four-year contract in Minnesota this season. Everson Griffen likely has a few more years of good football left in him, but his current deal with the Vikings expires after the 2018 season.Adding young depth to this group seems like a good route for Minnesota’s staff to take this offseason and whether that is through the draft or through free agency remains to be seen.But if the Vikings decide to explore the crop of free-agent defensive ends expected to be available this March, who are some of the players Minnesota may consider adding to their 2017 roster?Next: Jason Pierre-Paul Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Pierre-Paul

2016 stats (in 12 games with the New York Giants):

If he ends up not re-signing with the Giants, Pierre-Paul is expected to command a big-time contract. Spotrac is estimating the defensive end to sign a deal with an average yearly salary of around $14 million.

Obviously he seems to be out of the Vikings price range. But with a few roster moves (especially one having to do with a certain running back), Minnesota could have a little extra money in their pockets to spend on a guy like Pierre-Paul.

The Vikings are likely better off letting another team overpay for the defensive end and spending their money on other areas of their roster that are more in need.

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor (98) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Taylor

2016 stats (in 16 games with the Detroit Lions):

In his first season as a full-time starter in 2016, Taylor did not do a whole lot that landed under the umbrella of impressive. In fact, Pro Football Focus gave him the lowest grade of any defensive end in the NFL last season.

But at his age and size, Taylor is still at the point in his career where a little coaching could take him a long way. With the success rate that Minnesota has when it comes to developing defensive ends, improving Taylor’s skills on the field could end up with a nice reward for the Vikings in the future.

One thing the defensive end has going for him that should pique the interest of Minnesota’s fans is that he has sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice during his four years in the NFL. That seems like enough to build a statue of Taylor outside U.S. Bank Stadium right?

Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) motions against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Johnson

2016 stats (in 13 games with the Carolina Panthers):

With a total 10 seasons spent in the NFL, Johnson is definitely not the player he used to be. After compiling a total of 52.5 sacks from 2010 to 2014, the defensive end has only sacked the opposing quarterback five times in the past two seasons.

But the pass rushing veteran could possibly provide the Vikings with some rotational depth along their defensive line in 2017. Johnson has also been one of the better defensive ends at stopping the run during his time in the league, something that Minnesota needs to improve heading into next season (ranked 20th in 2016).

The defensive end could likely be brought in at a fairly low price and his experience in the league alone is something that no roster in the NFL can never have enough of.

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Long

2016 stats (in 16 games with the New England Patriots):

In his first season out of St. Louis, Long was able to land with the Patriots and be a part of Super Bowl winning franchise in 2016. He was not a driving force on New England’s defense last season, but he still was a contributing factor on a unit that gave up the fewest points per game in the NFL last year.

Long is decent at stopping the run, but his main strengths come out when he is rushing the quarterback. Despite only starting seven games in 2016, he still finished with more quarterback hurries (27) than Khalil Mack, Everson Griffen, Chandler Jones, and Jason Pierre-Paul.

Plus anyone who receives public praise from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick must be doing something right.

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) celebrates against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Baker

2016 stats (in 16 games with the Washington Redskins)

A former nose tackle, Baker has been a solid defensive end since making the position switch in 2014. In the past two seasons, he has led all Redskins defensive lineman in sacks (10.5) and total tackles (101).

It would seem wise for Washington to re-sign Baker this offseason. But if they do not, the Vikings may want to consider making a run at the seven-year pro.

His experience at playing on the inside and the outside of the defensive line may actually force Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer to wear a bib with the increased amount of uncontrollable salivation that would occur when the coach would begin to think of all the ways in which he could use Baker on the field.