Minnesota Vikings: 5 Dream targets in 2018 NFL free agency

KANSAS CITY, MP - JANUARY 15: Running back Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tosses the ball forward after gaining a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images /

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seattle Seahawks

In the very near future, the Vikings could be in need of a new starting defensive tackle. No one knows what the future holds for Sharrif Floyd, and both Shamar Stephen and Tom Johnson are headed for free agency in 2018.

So why not insert Sheldon Richardson alongside Linval Joseph to form one of the NFL’s best defensive tackle duos? Better yet, bringing the Seahawks’ newest stud defensive lineman aboard would make this Minnesota defensive line one of the most feared in all the league.

Imagine Richardson playing alongside Joseph, Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter. There wouldn’t be a better defensive front in the NFL, without question. Griffen and Hunter can wreak havoc off the edges, while Richardson and Joseph dominate the trenches along the interior.

I know Richardson hasn’t exactly had the most spectacular season since joining the Seahawks. They also gave up a lot to get him, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was re-signed. Still, that’s not the purpose of this exercise — it’s to imagine a scenario where the Vikings’ dreams come true.

In that instance, the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year is available. Better yet, after coming off a so-so season for the Seahawks, he signs with the Vikings at a discount (regardless of the lack of a salary cap in this scenario). It’s the second coming of the Purple People Eaters.

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