Grading the Vikings’ Other Free Agent Signings

Kirk Cousins and Sheldon Richardson ruled the Vikings’ free agency headlines, and rightly so. However, general manager Rick Spielman made a couple other shrewd moves to fill out other needs on the roster. As we did with the initial big moves, we will evaluate each of these secondary signings and assign grades. Another signing, backup long snapper Nick Dooley, is not on this report, given that his chances of making the roster are slim at best.

Kendall Wright: A

Wright has been on a bit of a decline since his 1,000-yard 2013 season. He recorded fewer than 40 catches and 500 yards in both 2015 and 2016. However, in a slightly reduced role in Chicago last year, Wright had a nice bounce back with 59 receptions and 614 yards. With the Vikings, Wright should slot in nicely as the number three guy with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. On a team full of pass catchers, he should have a lot of opportunities to find open space and make plays. Plus, with a deal of just one year, $1 million, there is little risk for the Vikings. If he continues his bounce-back in his age-29 season, Wright could figure more into the future of the offense.

Tom Compton: B+

Most things about this signing are great. Compton is a swing tackle with experience at guard, he has played in a lot of games over his six-year career, his price tag of $900,000 is relatively cheap and he is reportedly best friends with Kirk Cousins, from their time in Washington. The one thing knocking the deal is the fact that as it stands now, Compton woud be a starter. While a decent option as a reserve, he is not the best choice to start 16 games. However, if the Vikings find their fifth starting lineman in the draft, then Compton as the sixth man is a perfect signing.

Tavarres King: B-

This seems to be a move for depth and perhaps a little healthy camp competition, not much more. King, who caught a career-high 18 passes for the Giants last year, has yet to play more than eight games in each of his three NFL seasons. For the moment, he appears to be fifth on the receiver depth chart, though he may drop to sixth on the position board due to Stacy Coley‘s kick return abilities.

 

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Full Press Coverage NFC North. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfcn

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