One week ago, I wrote about the Vikings putting a lot of faith in offensive line coach Tony Sparano to turn around a unit that had struggled in 2015. The premise: They were bringing back a lot of holdovers to go with one new piece, guard Alex Boone.
I gave myself an out, writing this sentence: "The moves they have made personnelwise — at least for now, pending the signing of a significant free-agent tackle like Andre Smith … or the use of a high draft pick on a player expected to start right away — do not have the feel of an overhaul."
Three days later, Smith signed. It was a one-year deal, perhaps just a move to add to that depth and competition, but it was a significant one. The Vikings could still add an impact lineman in the draft.
It's getting closer to feeling like an overhaul. At the very least, it feels like the line is being taken seriously. And I'll remember: A lot can happen as free agency wears on.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
