Vikings Sign DE Dean Lowry; Finalize Deal with OLB Marcus Davenport

The Minnesota Vikings closed the work week with a couple of notable roster moves on Friday afternoon. First, they finalized the contract of free agent OLB, Marcus Davenport, which was supposed to happen Thursday. Then, they agreed to terms with a new defensive end, former Packer, Dean Lowry.

Marcus Davenport’s deal with the #Vikings is officially completed. They’re gathering final signatures now.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 17, 2023

The deal is for $8.5M over two years, per source

Lowry was really productive in 2021, generating 42 QB pressures & five sacks, with his 10.3% pressure rate 15th among interior defenders. Good get for Brian Flores in Minnesota https://t.co/KFR9jMULmR

— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) March 17, 2023

Who is Dean Lowry?

I wrote about Davenport when he first agreed to terms with the Vikings a few days ago. So let’s turn to Dean Lowry, who, at 28-years-old, comes in as one of the older pickups of the offseason for general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Lowry is expected to replace departing interior defensive lineman, Dalvin Tomlinson. The Packers drafted him in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft, out of Northwestern. He has 15.5 sacks in 7 seasons.

Dean Lowry’s best season with the Packers was in 2021, when he recorded a career high in sacks (5.0), passes deflected (4), QB hits (9) and pressures (42). He wasn’t able to replicate that same type of success in 2022, statistically one of his worst seasons. Still, he’s a bargain at just $4.25 million per season.

Big changes on defense for Vikings

The Vikings now expected to have new starters at OLB, DE, MLB and CB. It’s safe to say the overhaul is in full effect. Though, Jordan Hicks and Harrison Smith did agree to pay cuts, in order to stay. Questions still surround Za’Darius Smith, who has asked to be let go. All signs point to that request being granted, since Davenport would project as his replacement. Stay tuned…

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan