The Minnesota Vikings’ season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams showed a weakness on the offensive line. In January’s 27-9 loss to the NFC Wild Card round, Sam Darnold was sacked nine times, setting an NFL playoff record. Head coach Kevin O’Connell was insistent after the game that the Vikings needed to improve their interior protection, putting the guard position on notice for significant changes this offseason.
The Vikings’ efforts to improve the offensive interior were hampered by the Kansas City Chiefs’ signing of No. 1 free agent Trey Smith, which had a significant impact on the remainder of the guard market. According to various insiders, the Chiefs notified Smith that they will franchise tag him before the March 4 deadline. This maintains Smith within Kansas City’s control as they try to reach an extension with him.