Minnesota Vikings Sign Coveted Free-Agent Pass-Rusher

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent pass-rusher Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal worth $13 million, according to sources.

The #Vikings are signing pass-rusher Marcus Davenport, sources tell me, @MikeGarafolo, and @TomPelissero. He gets a 1-year deal worth $13M. Impressive.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

Davenport joins the Vikings after spending the first five seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints, where he recorded 142 tackles (78 solo), 21.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 60 QB hits, four passes defended, seven forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 63 games, including 32 starts.

Despite a disappointing 2022 season with only half a sack, Davenport is hoping to bounce back in 2023 and prove himself worthy of a long-term contract.

He recorded a career-high nine sacks in 2021, and the Vikings are banking on him returning to that form. 

The Vikings are signing EDGE Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal worth $13M per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/ApijpqiE98

— PFF (@PFF) March 14, 2023

The addition of Davenport could potentially signal the end of Za'Darius Smith's time in Minnesota, but it remains to be seen what the Vikings will do with the veteran pass-rusher.

Regardless, with Davenport's arrival, the Vikings are hoping to improve their pass rush and bolster their defense for the upcoming season. 
Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports