NFL Free Agency 2019: Predicting the Minnesota Vikings biggest moves
A.J. Cann, G, Jacksonville Jaguars
Unfortunately, this is not the year if you’re looking for top free agent offensive lineman. There are a few quality starters slated to hit the open market, but it’s looking like slim pickings if you need an upgrade or two along the front five. That’s the boat the Vikings are in right now.
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With their cap constraints, though, it’s going to be even tougher to improve Kirk Cousins‘ protection. That means the Vikings could be forced to dig deep to find a capable contributor with a discounted price tag. That’s where A.J. Cann could come into play.
A former third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cann brings plenty of starting experience and youth to the table. Although far from a proven commodity along the interior, he has shown enough during his four seasons in the NFL to garner the Vikings’ attention. That is, if the Jaguars don’t simply decide to re-sign him.
Cann is a solid all-around blocker, capable of holding his own as a pass protector and run blocker. He’s had an up-and-down career up to this point, the potential still exists for him to emerge as a solid starter given his age (27) and upside.
The versatility Cann possesses as a potential starter at either guard spot makes him an interesting consideration. It’s not the long-term solution the Vikings desperately need, but they don’t have the money to land someone like Rodger Saffold.