Minnesota Vikings 3 best offseason additions in 2022

Minnesota Vikings’ top offseason pickup no. 2: ILB Jordan Hicks (Released by Arizona Cardinals)

It’s sometimes difficult to ascertain that the Minnesota Vikings, under head coach Mike Zimmer had their problems on the defensive side of the ball the past two seasons. Back in 2017, this was a unit that allowed the fewest total yards per game while giving up an NFL-low 252 points. Opposing offenses found the Minnesota offense just 23 times in 16 regular-season outings. Of course, the postseason proved to be a much different story.

Fast forward three years. The numbers dating back to 2020 are downright disturbing. That first year, the club gave up a whopping 475 points and 49 offensive touchdowns (30 through the air) during a 7-9 showing. This past season, the Vikings allowed 426 points (24th in the NFL) and 44 offensive TDs. And that included a disappointing 29 touchdown passes.

What was also disturbing was Minnesota’s play vs. the run. The club was 26th in the league vs. the run and a year earlier, allowed the sixth-most rushing yards in the league. And the addition of inside linebacker Jordan Hicks could help immediately. He played and started every game for the Arizona Cardinals the past three seasons. The one-time Eagles defender led the Cards in tackles in 2019 and was second in stops in both 2020 and ’21.