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Minnesota Vikings: 3 Bargain targets still available in 2019 NFL free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins gets a hug from Jonathan Cooper #72 after rushing for a three-yard touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins gets a hug from Jonathan Cooper #72 after rushing for a three-yard touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. G Jonathan Cooper (Washington Redskins)

This past season, the offensive line of the Minnesota Vikings proved to be a problem. Due in part to the struggles of this unit, only two teams in the league gained fewer yards on the ground. Meanwhile, new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins took his lumps. He was sacked 40 times, losing seven of his nine fumbles.

In 2018, Tom Compton was the team’s starting left guard for all but two games. One-time tackle Mike Remmers was the team’s starting right guard for all 16 contests. The latter was cut loose by the Vikings this offseason. Meanwhile, Compton left via free agency and signed with the New York Jets. Guard/center Nick Easton, who missed all of 2018 (neck), joined the New Orleans Saints. Minnesota did sign guard Josh Kline, released by the Tennessee Titans earlier this year.

But the Vikings could still use some help inside. Guard Jonathan Cooper has already played for four different teams in five seasons. This after being selected seventh overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2014. This past year, he started and played in four games for the Washington Redskins.

In 2017, he started 13 contests for the Dallas Cowboys. He was part of a trade in 2016 that saw the Cards send him to New England in exchange for pass-rusher Chandler Jones. But he never played for the Patriots and later that same year he made five appearances for the Cleveland Browns, starting three contests.

The 6-2, 308-pound performer and former North Carolina Tar Heel has been a disappointment but could be serviceable until the Vikings are able to find a fulltime solution (two-year pro Danny Isadora?). In any case, he could add experience depth up front.

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