Should Minnesota bring back Linval Joseph?

The Minnesota Vikings have roughly $9.7M in cap space. Why not be as aggressive as possible and sign as many impactful veterans as possible? Why not bring back a familiar face as well? A former Viking like Linval Joseph could add more depth, experience and strength to the interior of a Minnesota defense that is already very talented and looking to become a Super Bowl defense in 2022.

Joseph is a 12-year NFL veteran. He started his career in New York with the Giants and played there from 2010-2013. He would then go play for Minnesota from 2014-2019. The 33-year old last played with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2020-2021. Joseph won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2011, but the prime of his career came with the Vikings. In six seasons with the team, he made two Pro bowls (2016, 2017) and started in all 88 games during his time in the Twin Cities. His best season came in 2016 when he recorded a career-high 77 tackles, a career-high four sacks and a career-high 17 QB hits. The former East Carolina star totaled 15 sacks, 350 tackles, 56 tackles for loss, 75 quarterback hits and six forced fumbles for the Vikings during his six-year stint. 

If the Vikings brought back Joseph, the team would have an elite defensive line with All-Pros in Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith on the edges and veteran defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in the interior. Joseph also has experience playing with veterans Eric Kendricks and Harrison Smith. Considering the interior defender's age, a one-year deal would be best for both parties, especially with Aaron Rodgers in the division, a team like Minnesota will need all the help they can get.