Vikings Sign Pass Rusher, Marcus Davenport

Outside of a new blocking tight end, the Minnesota Vikings had a very slow start to free agency on Monday, as the NFL legal tampering period got underway. But they didn’t finish the day empty-handed, instead signing former Saints EDGE rusher, Marcus Davenport to a one-year $13 million contract at about 8:30 PM.

The #Vikings are signing pass-rusher Marcus Davenport, sources tell me, @MikeGarafolo, and @TomPelissero. He gets a 1-year deal worth $13M. Impressive.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

Who is Marcus Davenport?

Davenport is a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker who has a lot of NFL experience (5 seasons) for a 26-years-old kid. He has all the tools to be an elite pass rusher but, so far, he’s proven inconsistent. He followed up a career year in 2021 (9 sacks, 27 hurries) with a statistically sad 2022 (0.5 sacks, 26 hurries) so he had to settle for a prove-it deal with the Vikings.

PFF, no matter the season, is a huge fan of Marcus Davenport. They gave him an 88.1 grade in his stellar 2021 season. Even last year, when he finished with 0.5 sacks, he received 76.8 defensive grade. Never in his 5-year career has Devenport ever graded below a 71.8, and that was as a rookie.

Most importantly, Davenport has to stay on the field. The San Antonio, TX native has never logged 500 snaps or started more than 13 games in a season. He’s a low-risk, high reward signing for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, given the short one-year term on his contract. If he plays well, he will be worth a lot more than $13 million. If not, the Minnesota Vikings can move on from him after one season.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan