Even after signing free-agent guard Alex Boone, hanging on to tackles Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt and bringing back guard Mike Harris, the Vikings might not be done making moves to bolster their offensive line.
The Vikings are keeping an eye on offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, who was cut by the Bears last month. But no visit is scheduled at this time, per a source. The 31-year-old, who is still on the mend after shoulder surgery, is reportedly traveling to Miami today to meet with the Dolphins anyway.
Bushrod, a left tackle, started 96 career games for the Bears and Saints.
And, according to multiple reports, the Vikings have also expressed interest in offensive tackle Andre Smith, who played on the right side during his time with the Bengals. But he apparently has other suitors, too.
Smith, the sixth overall pick back in 2009, has made 73 career starts.
It doesn’t sound like anything is imminent with either player, though, as general manager Rick Spielman said this morning on KFAN that the team has no visits scheduled with any players over the next couple of days.
One thing worth noting when it comes to the increasingly-crowded tackle situation is that none of the base salary in Loadholt’s new restructured deal is guaranteed. There is potentially $1.75 million in dead money remaining from his initial signing bonus from back in 2013. But that would be it.
So basically, finances probably aren’t going to affect Loadholt’s status on the team. If he returns from his torn Achilles’ tendon and looks like the Big Phil of old, he’ll make the team. If not, the Vikings can simply move on.
