The pair of offseason transactions moved the Vikings from $2 million over the salary cap, to $2 million under, meaning Kwesi & Co have reached cap compliancy.

Source confirms the #Vikings have agreed with Bills DT Harrison Phillips on a three-year, $19.5 million deal. We'll see what that means for the middle of their defensive line, but for the time being, three's a crowd.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 15, 2022

The Vikings cut Michael Pierce, saving more than $6.2 million on the cap, shortly after they signed DT Harrison Phillips.

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 15, 2022

Who is Harrison Phillips?

Harrison Phillips didn’t find his way to a starting role on a deep Bills defensive front until the end of last season. He started the final 8 games in 2022 (including playoffs) and has 11 total starts under his NFL belt. But the Vikings clearly see the young 3-year veteran as talented interior defensive lineman who’s just hitting his stride in the league.

If right, they’ll sure up the inside of a shaky-looking defensive line and pay a much-needed bargain bin rate to do it. Given how often Pierce failed to take the field while on the Minnesota Vikings roster over the last two seasons, Phillips will be an upgrade as long as he’s active on Sundays.

Now should Harrison Phillips (#99 in the highlight video below) play as well as some of the Twitter experts believe, then the Vikings are off to a good offseason start. But there’s a lot of work left to do.

Vikings essentially swap out Michael Pierce (78.5 PFF grade in just 8 games in 2 seasons) for Harrison Phillips (75.2 PFF grade in '21), who had a 78.9 grade vs. run. Likely a better fit for new defensive scheme, and a little cheaper.

— Kevin Brown (@KevinBrownNFL) March 15, 2022

What’s Next for Vikings?

Making decisions on what to do with Danielle Hunter and Anthony Barr make sense as the next logical steps for Kwesi & Co, which I wrote about in detail on Monday. But I’d imagine this front office wants to hit free agency on Wednesday with as much flexibility as possible.

To free up more money, the Minnesota Vikings could look at restructuring, extending, trading or cutting the contracts of Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith, and even Dalvin Cook. Given how this “new” regime has handled the offseason so far, all four are expected to return after agreeing to help move money around.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

At 3-4 on the season, and with a difficult slate of games upcoming, reality isn’t shining much light on the purple and gold this week. But there’s one piece of good news that’s flown under the radar and it’s a pretty significant development.

Barring a setback, DT Michael Pierce is expected to return to the Minnesota defensive line on Sunday. This is a huge W, especially given Hunter is going on IR.

Barring a setback in practice this week, Vikings nose tackle Michael Pierce (elbow) is expected to return Sunday at Baltimore, per source. Pierce was going thru drills during the portion open to media members earlier, according to @ChadGraff.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 3, 2021

This just in: The Ravens like to run.

Stopping the run against Baltimore is going to be the key to beating them as long as Lamar Jackson is their QB. Whether it’s the quarterback or the running backs, the threat to run is there every single play. Baltimore currently ranks 7th in run play percentage (45%) this season and 5th in runs per game (30.6).

Minnesota’s rush defense has gotten progressively better throughout the season and getting Michael Pierce back should only help. The 6’0″, 340 pound defensive tackle has been missed and, with Hunter out, his presence is more necessary than it has been all year.

Hunter didn’t grade out as an elite run defender this season (64.8 via PFF) but very few can make plays like this. Pierce adds a playmaker on defense that needs to be accounted for. That’s a big deal now that they don’t have to worry about #99.

danielle hunter is impossible. How does he make this play lol pic.twitter.com/Nu6OimqUC6

— Luke Braun (@LukeBraunNFL) October 18, 2021

Big stretch for Vikings and Pierce

Vikings fans hope we finally see an extended stretch where Pierce stays on the field and plays up to his potential. Michael has played in just four of the Vikings seven games this season. Spielman signed the 28-year-old (who turns 29 this weekend) before the 2020 season, but Pierce opted out before it started, citing COVID concerns.

So since his signing, Pierce has been active for just 3 of the 20 games the Minnesota Vikings have played. We’ve been told Pierce is a great run stopper, and his numbers pre-Vikings agree. But, what he’s done in his three games here haven’t lived up to the hype.

From 2016 to 2018, Pierce finished with a PFF run grade of 81.4 or better. In 2017 (87.9) and 2018 (91.8) he was especially good against the run. His grade started to fall in 2019, just before the Vikings signed him. Now in three games this season, his PFF grade sits at 64.4.

The Minnesota Vikings season is on life support and beating a superior Baltimore Ravens team on Sunday is the only way for it to breath on its own again. If Pierce can’t crank his performance back up to expectations, it’s not just an issue for his career going forward, but could be a key reason why the Vikings season officially dies by late Sunday afternoon.

He’s playing against his former team and it’s a contract season so I expect Michael Pierce to bring the fire this weekend.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

Nobody inside of the Vikings organization, specifically Mike Zimmer, wanted to see Alvin Kamara score six touchdowns on their defense again. But unfortunately, their effort to build back their high-level (or even competent) run defense has been dramatically unsuccessful through six games.

The Numbers

With or without Michael Pierce, who’s spent half the season injured and who’s unlikely to play again Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings have LOOKED especially bad against opposing rush attacks for most of the season. Through six games, Minnesota’s defense has yet to hold an opposing team under 100 yards rushing. And with Dallas in town this weekend, that streak will likely continue.

Here are some other defensive rankings/statistics that will depress you. where the Vikings rank as a team for run defense.

• 17th in opponent rush attempts per game (26.7)
• 26th in rushing yards allowed per game (128.0)
• 29th in yards allowed per rush attempt (4.8)

The Dallas Cowboys are coming to US Bank Stadium for Sunday Night Football and there’s no doubt they’ll run the ball. They’ve been trampling all over opposing defenses this season and, if he plays, Dak Prescott isn’t expected to be anywhere near 100%. Ezekiel Elliott (521 YDS, 5 TD, 5.1 YPC) has led the way but backup, Tony Pollard (366 YDS, 1 TD, 6.0 YPC), has looked even better than Zeke at times.

Together, they’ve been borderline unstoppable.

• 3rd in rush attempts per game.
• 2nd in rush yards per game.
• 3rd in rush yards per attempt.

But, there’s hope.

Sensible thinking would tell us that Minnesota will struggle to stop the Dallas’ run game on Sunday night but there’s reason for optimism. Zimmer’s new run defense has underperformed so far, but they’ve gotten better as the year has gone on.

It doesn’t look like Michael Pierce will play but Anthony Barr practiced in full on Thursday, meaning he should be on the field for only the second game in a row. But even without Pierce, the Vikings defense has improved their defense every week.

In the last few games, the Vikings defense has been on the field less, partially because they have forced more 3rd downs and forced stops on most of them. PFF says they’ve steadily improved in all defensive categories, as the season has progressed. That includes tackling, pass rush and coverage. They’ve raised their overall grade from the 50’s and 60’s in weeks 1-5 to the high 70’s and low 80’s the last two weeks.

But their rush defense grade, specifically, has improved on itself every single week. Quite interesting.

Everything about the #Vikings defense has improved as the season has gone on but (per @PFF) the run has been a specifically smooth curve upward.

53.6 – wk 1
56.9 – wk 2
57.0 – wk 3
62.7 – wk 4
68.0 – wk 5
79.4 – wk 6

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 29, 2021

The Horses

The Minnesota Vikings have the horses to stop the run and play good overall defense, even without Michael Pierce. And as we’ve seen with the improving numbers, Rick Spielman’s offseason quest can’t be judged quite yet.

Dalvin Tomlinson is known for his ability to stop opposing running backs. He’s 6’3″, 315 pounds and has never had a season where PFF graded his rush defense less than 70. For three of his five seasons, he’s hovered around an 80 grade. For context, there are only six defensive tackles in the NFL above an 80 run grade this season.

If Michael Pierce has to sit out and Armon Watts gets the start again the Vikings should be alright. He’s been forced into the starting lineup the last two weeks and the defense has still continued its trend upward. Watts is having a career year. We’ll see if his production (36 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 FF and 18 QB hurries) is sustainable.

It’s about time the run defense starts to produce

The second level of the Minnesota Vikings defense needs to be better too. Anthony Barr has only played in two games this season and doesn’t have a tackle for loss since 2019. He needs to stay healthy and play better if he wants to get another payday this offseason.

Eric Kendricks has also been largely disappointing too, given what the expectations he’s set. His 64.9 PFF grade against the run ranks 49th out of 82 qualified linebackers. That’s not good enough.

The talent needed to stop opposing rush attacks are on roster and they’re being led by a defensive mastermind, in Mike Zimmer. There is no reason this group should be near the bottom of the league in any defensive rushing categories.

It won’t be easy, but if they can slow down the Dallas Cowboys in primetime on Sunday night, the Vikings probably move to 4-3 on the season and I’ll bet others start to recognize the same improvement all of the numbers already show.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a trade that landed them some untapped potential in former second round pick, (DT) PJ Hall. Unfortunately, Hall failed his physical yesterday, and the trade was rescinded.

The Raiders later released Hall, after the trade fell through. No one knows why Hall failed his physical but the Vikings now have to find another way to improve their depth at defensive tackle. Armon Watts going on the COVID-19 reserve list didn’t help the situation.

DT P.J. Hall failed his physical and reverts to Las Vegas.

S Brian Cole II and WR Justin Jefferson have been activated from Reserve/COVID-19.

DT Armon Watts has been placed on Reserve/COVID-19.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 4, 2020

Four #Vikings players — OL Tyler Higby, LB Cameron Smith, OT Oli Udoh and DT Armon Watts — remain on the COVID list. Ninth day today for Higby, seventh for Smith and Udoh.

— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) August 4, 2020

ANOTHER TRADE POSSIBLE?

Michael Pierce opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID risks was the first big subtraction from the line. And now with Hall failing his physical, the Vikings need reinforcements. We know they have big plans for Watts so hopefully he is able to return quickly.

Although it appears that the attempt to add some flashing potential at a position of need didn’t work this time, the Vikings should keep trying. There are other holes on the roster, but depth at both DE and at DT behind the projected starters is most glaring. With the additional cap space, the Vikings should definitely pursue someone with a similar profile to Hall, but is in better physical shape at the moment.

Mike Zimmer was asked about #Vikings DT Armon Watts.

“Armon has played really well, I think. He’s done a nice job when he’s been in there….He’s a big, strong athletic guy and so we’re looking for another big jump out of him this year.”

— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) August 3, 2020

The success of this Vikings defense relies on depth along the D-line. Fresh legs allow for additional pressures, which frees up other players to cause chaos. Without this crucial depth that Zimmer likes, the Vikings will have a more difficult time if injuries arise for their starters.

Ameer Eldomiatti | Minnesota Sports Fan

Yesterday, the Minnesota Vikings marquee free agent acquisition, DT Michael Pierce, opted-out of the 2020 season, citing the COVID-19 clause in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (high risk version).

Pierce was brought in to replace Linval Joseph in the run game… But now, with former Baltimore Raven now out of the 2020 picture, who will emerge as that run-stuffing piece in the middle of the Vikings defensive line? Well, let’s take a look at the options available.

With multiple defensive tackles opting out today, one name to watch is Domata Peko. The former #Bengals, #Broncos and #Ravens nose tackle is 35 years old, but still in great shape and wants to keep playing. Several teams have expressed interest.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2020

Domata Peko

Peko, who is 35, says he still has gas in the tank. He also has loads of experience playing for Mike Zimmer, while in Cincinnati for six seasons together, giving him an advantage on learning curve.

After being reliable as a run stuffer in both Cincinnati and Denver, Peko had a nondescript 2019 while with the Ravens (Pierce’ team that same season). Peko could be a serviceable option for the Vikings to replace Pierce assuming he is healthy.

Timmy Jernigan

Another available free agent who may garner interest from the Vikings is . Jernigan, who spent 2019 with the Eagles. He nearly signed with the Texans earlier this offseason, but didn’t. Jernigan is a known run-stuffer who can also, at times, rush the passer. At just 27, he still has a lot of talent in him. In fact, he could have a similar impact as what many thought Pierce could have.

Timmy Jernigan is another "roarin' to go." Had a verbal deal in the offseason with Houston that didn't get completed in the end. Health is said to be good now. #Vikings haven't touched base, as of late morning. https://t.co/ortvnvJ1Cc

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 28, 2020

Even if the Vikings don’t replace Pierce through FA, there are still capable guys already on roster.

Armon Watts

Armon Watts showed some flashes of potential, in the few games he played towards the end of last season. Watts impressed in limited action until he was injured in week 16. He’s somewhat undersized, but seems aware of that while on the field.

If he can hone his technique during camp and splash early, the Nose Tackle job could very well be his to lose.

Jaleel Johnson

Johnson hasn’t played much at the 3-tech, but he has shown potential at times. If Jaleel is the one who pops during camp, he could contend for more playing time than he has been able to garner, thus far in his career.

Watts and Johnson could find themselves as valuable options to play alongside the other three solidified starters on the D-Line. Can they handle being thrust into those new roles, though?

With Michael Pierce opting out, Jaleel Johnson becomes a leading candidate to step in as the starting #Vikings nose tackle. Last year's three-technique, Shamar Stephen, also can play the nose. Second-year man Armon Watts also has to be regarded as being in the mix.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 28, 2020

It will be interesting to see what the Vikings do to replace Pierce. However, it does appear that in these crazy times, the Vikings find themselves with plenty of options to choose from.

Ameer Eldiomatti | Minnesota Sports Fan

As veterans across the NFL are reporting for training camp today, some around the league are choosing not to. Instead, those individuals are opting out of their contracts and sitting out of the 2020 season, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Minnesota Vikings are the latest team, but not the first, to have a major contributor choose not to play. According to multiple reports, their big-ticket free agent, (DT) Michael Pierce, has opted-out of his $8M salary. $3 million will be pushed from 2020 to 2021.

#Vikings NT Michael Pierce is opting out of the 2020 season, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Minnesota’s only big-ticket free agent this year leaves a hole up front on defense.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2020

High-Risk Category – Asthma

Pierce, who played for Baltimore in 2019, was signed in the offseason to fill a gaping hole on the defensive line after Linval Joseph left in free agency. The 27-year-old has dealt with asthma since childhood and uses an inhaler daily.

He told the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson, that he has experienced issues with his respiratory system and with breathing, making this a “high risk” opt out and not a “voluntary” one.

As stated earlier, the Vikings gain an additional $3M in cap this year, and his contract will toll to 2021. Pierce also will reportedly still receive a $350,000 stipend from the league as he is a high-risk employee.

#Vikings NT Michael Pierce: “I have really bad asthma among other respiratory issues. So it’s not one of those voluntary opt outs. It’s a high-risk opt out.''

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 28, 2020

#Vikings NT Michael Pierce on opt out: “If I was a normal human being with a normal functioning respiratory system, I’d be out there without a thought. It’s an unfortunate situation but it’s something I’ve been battling and I've got to deal with the rest of my life.''

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 28, 2020

Since I’m seeing some very misinformed NFL reporters. Here you go, from NFLPA Memo:

Voluntary opt-out: contract tolled, $150,000 salary advance to be paid back following season.

High Risk opt-out: contract tolled, $350,000 stipend. pic.twitter.com/v9gF9N9ouY

— Chris Nathanson (@ChrisN_SS) July 28, 2020

Pierce plans to return to the Vikings for the 2021 season. Pierce was supposed to be an anchor for the defensive line this year, but Vikings fans will have to wait a year as he is clearly making the right decision for himself and his own well-being.

Ameer Eldiomatti | Minnesota Sports Fan

Did Electronic Arts (EA) fire all of their competent Madden scouts? A website, MaddenSchool.com, leaked what they claim is a list of the top-10 rated players for each NFL team, in the upcoming Madden 21. If true, EA’s hate for the Minnesota Vikings is clear and obvious. Maybe these “leaked” ratings are false and the game will drop on August 25, revealing us all as idiots… but that’s not what Forbes (the major magazine publication) believes.

Forbes claims, “it is highly unlikely any of the ratings below are false”, after speaking directly with a representative of MaddenSchool.com, the popular non-EA-affiliated Madden website, that posted the leaked ratings.

So if we assume them right, as Forbes does, then EA should fire everyone who scouted Minnesota Vikings players. I’m still struggling to believe these ratings, they’re so astonishing. “Flabbergasted” might be a better descriptor. Adam and I talked about the bias Madden rankings on today’s episode of the Bleeding Purple Podcast (QB rankings: 9-minute mark | Vikings top-10: 14:30).

Defense

Let’s start on Zimmer’s favorite side of the virtual football. If Zimmer knew Madden still made video games, he’d be really pissed off about these ratings. The list above would sit on his virtual bulletin board (if he had one) for the entire season… or forever, unless one of his grandkids deletes it for him.

The top of the list makes sense. Harrison Smith is one of the best safeties in the NFL. He has been for a handful of seasons. He was the easy one… but, as you travel further down the list, you can’t help but wonder if these “scouts” have watched a Minnesota Vikings football game since 2018.

Do you guys know who Michael Pierce is? If you have a bad short term memory, you might not. He’s the new defensive tackle, who will try to help fill the void of Linval Joseph. Clearly, the Madden scouts in Baltimore were big fans of his.

Hopefully they are right and I’ll take the love because the rest of the ratings in the top-10 should be thrown right into the garbage. How is Danielle Hunter not in the 90’s? Even if you’ve NEVER watched him play… this photo alone has to be good for a 95 all by itself, especially after seeing TJ Watt is an 86 rating.

Pick your player:

Like – Danielle Hunter
Retweet – TJ Watt pic.twitter.com/slMGUHPIxr

— Vikes Insider (@vikesinsider) July 9, 2020

Eric Kendricks gets screwed too but that’s nothing new. That guy has been underrappreciated since coming out of the womb. The biggest traveshamockery of this entire game though, is Anthony Harris. How is Anthony Harris an 83? The Vikings franchise-tagged Harris because he is a top-3 safety. That’s the rating that makes me question everything about this leak.

Anyway, moving onto the offense

I’m fine with Dalvin Cook’s rating, though I’d bring it up a couple more points. Adam Thielen is a top wide receiver but he’s white so no shocker…

WTF is Kyle Rudolph doing on this list? I like Kyle and what he’s done as a Viking… but how is he in this top-10 list? He’s going to lose his job to Irv Smith Jr. by the end of this season.

Kirk Cousins is an 82 and Drew Brees is a 93. Think about that. Drew Brees couldn’t throw past 30 yards last year in the playoffs and Kirk Cousins beat him (on a beautiful pass to Adam Thielen)… but Brees ranks top-4 at the Madden QB position, while Kirk isn’t even in the top-10.

Just two QBs over a 95. Rodgers outside the 90s club.

Here are the top 10 Madden QB ratings. Thoughts? ? pic.twitter.com/EkAeCYawiz

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2020

If it were up to the national media, Minnesota would be wiped completely off the map. Oh well, the Vikings are better when they are underappreciated anyway. Hopefully, someone can explain what this means to Zim, so he can use it to his advantage.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan