While the Vikings have interest in re-signing offensive lineman Joe Berger, at least three other teams are also eyeing the veteran guard/center, tweets Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. Meanwhile, Minnesota is also open to reunion with defensive tackle Tom Johnson, but he’s expected to first test the market, reports Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twitter link).
Berger will be 36 years old when the 2018 campaign gets underway, but he’s still an effective player. Capable of playing guard or center, Berger ranks as PFR’s No. 8 interior lineman heading into free agency. Berger had previously indicated that he’d likely retire following the 2017 season, but he’s since walked that back.
Like Berger, Johnson has long since reached veteran status, as he’s heading into his age-33 season. Last year, Johnson appeared in all 16 games and managed 23 pressures two sacks from the interior. He reportedly asked for a one-year, $4MM extension last season, but the Vikings refused, which could give an idea where Minnesota stands on Johnson’s value. He’s PFR’s No. 9 free agent defensive tackle.
With Nick Easton tendered at the second-round rate of $2.9+ million dollars, I imagine that Berger will want a far better pay day than he’s ever gotten, something in the $4-$5 million range. Hopefully, the Vikings won’t be stingy and will give him the money he deserves.
So, the Vikings got more snaps out of Tom Johnson than they got out of Linval Joseph but paid him as if he was a third or fourth rotational DT. Here’s an idea, include bonuses in his contract based on playing time and/or accomplishments (5-6 sacks, maybe) that would get him up to the $4 million he wants if he meets all of them.