A quick snapshot at the new members of the Minnesota Vikings. GM Rick Spielman addressed the offensive line by adding veterans Andre Smith and Alex Boone. He also added Michael Griffin who looks to become an anchor on an improving defense.
* contract details taken from Spotrac (http://www.spotrac.com/)
-previous team in parenthesis
Andre Smith, T (Cincinnati Bengals)
6’4″ 325lbs
1yr, $3.5M deal (report also stated deal is worth up to $4.5M)
Smith comes over from the Cincinnati Bengals, having started 73 of the 82 games he has played in his career. A seven year veteran of the NFL, Smith will bring a veteran presence to an offensive line looking for better play in the 2016 season. The offensive line stuck out as a big issue on the Vikings in ‘15 and it didn’t take long for that need to be addressed by GM Rick Spielman. Look for Smith to compete to take the RT position on the Vikings this season.
Michael Griffin, S (Tennessee Titans)
6’0″ 215lbs
1yr, $3M deal (500K is incentives)
A nine-year veteran of the Tennessee Titans brings another veteran leader to the Minnesota Vikings. He brings consistency (16 GP in seven of nine years in the NFL) and better ability to the safety position that has left much to be desired. Other than Harrison Smith, the safety spot has been a revolving door including the likes of Anthony Harris, Andrew Sendejo, Robert Blanton,and Antone Exum. Griffin looks to sure up the position opposite Harrison Smith and elevate the overall play of the Vikings defense.
Alex Boone, G (San Francisco 49ers)
6’8″ 300lbs
4yrs, $26.8M deal ($10M guaranteed)
A move that eased a lot of Vikings fans and supporters was the addition of Alex Boone. A gritty professional that brings an attitude that most feel is lacking from this o-line. A four year full-time starter with the 49ers will enter his seventh pro season with the Minnesota Vikings. He has been a constant force for the Niners and will bring a strong understanding of what it takes to win and will hopefully look to instill that in the next generation of Vikings. The team inked Boone to a four-year/ $26.8M deal that will hopefully sure up the LG position for the foreseeable future.
Emmanuel Lamur, LB (Cincinnati Bengals)
6’4″ 245lbs
2yrs, $5.5M deal ($2M guaranteed)
Lamur has started 15 of 39 career games and projects to add depth to a growing group of linebackers and will contribute heavily on special teams. He brings a huge frame (6’4” 245lbs) and familiarity with Zimmer’s system to the Vikings and will compete for playing time and grow as a player under Zimmer.
Travis Lewis, LB (Detroit Lions)
6’2″ 235lbs
1yr, $810K deal
Lewis comes over from the Lions having played in 42 career games. Lewis will be working to contribute on special teams and compete with guys like Audie Cole to play in the middle of the Vikings defense. Lewis has four seasons of experience and seems to be getting better year by year. Starting the only four games he has started in his career last year with Detroit.
Brian Leonhardt, TE (San Francisco 49ers)
6’5″ 255lbs
1yr, $600k deal
A Minnesota boy comes home from the West Coast. Leonhardt comes over from the Raiders and 49ers and is cut from the Rhett Ellison cloth. His frame (6’5” 255lbs) and familiarity with Vikings new o-line coach Tony Sparano will likely help him make the Vikings roster in 2016. Both Leonhardt and Sparano crossed paths last season in San Fransicso.
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