Minnesota Vikings emplored to sign key free agent per NFL analyst

Salary cap space isn't an issue for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and beyond. They currently have over $26 million in cap space but only around $15 million in functional cap space.

That number factors in the Vikings needing to sign both J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner along with the practice squad and the final two salaries since the top 51 are the only ones accounted for. It also begs the question what the Vikings are doing with that much cap space.

The doldrums of June and July are heavy with speculation on what teams can do with their extra cap space. There are still some good free agents available and Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes that the Vikings should target Emmanuel Ogbah.

Minnesota Vikings should target Emmanuel Ogbah

Ogbah has rushed opposing quarterbacks as both a linebacker and a defensive end in the NFL. While he's never recorded a 10-sack season, he's had several strong years as a high-end complementary piece.

This past season, Ogbah recorded 5.5 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures while playing only 25 percent of the defensive snaps in Miami. His ability to make an impact in a limited role should make the 30-year-old a valuable late addition.

The Minnesota Vikings could also consider Ogbah after reloading their pass-rushing rotation this offseason. They lost Danielle Hunter but added Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Jihad Ward and rookie Dallas Turner .

Ogbah would be a bit of a luxury addition for Minnesota, but it's worth noting his connection with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Flores was Miami's head coach during Ogbah's two nine-sack campaigns in 2020 and 2021.

The idea of Ogbah is something that we have discussed before. He played for Flores down in Miami and was at his most productive as a 5T in his system. Now, Knox mentions that Ogbah is an EDGE but he isn't an outside linebacker. He would play with his hand in the dirt and use his 35" arms to his advantage on all three downs.

The question here is simple: why is Ogbah still a free agent? He struggled to stay on the field post-Flores with part of the reason due to injury. If the Vikings see some struggles on the defensive line early on during training camp, Ogbah could be an intriguing option.

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