NFL free agency is well underway, and with many notable names off the board, teams are beginning to shift their focus to smaller upgrades. The Minnesota Vikings are visiting with former Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Mike Remmers today, just one day after agreeing to terms with another offensive tackle, Riley Reiff.
Mike Remmers fit with the Vikings
The former Panther played both left and right tackle last season, as did Riley Reiff. That would give the Vikings plenty of flexibility, but Remmers would likely be the right tackle with Reiff going back to the left side.
The Vikings offensive line was a disaster last season, and adding a player with Remmers durability and experience could really boost the overall play of the offensive line. With former left tackle Matt Kalil signing with the Carolina Panthers, the Vikings were in the market for two starting tackles. Remmers and Reiff would be two solid signings for a team hoping to get back to the playoffs next season, although the interior of the offensive line would still need some work. Mike Remmers 32 straight starts would also be of value to a team that has dealt with and been devastated by offensive line injuries each of the last two seasons as the Minnesota Vikings.
Mike Remmers other NFL visits
If Mike Remmers and the Minnesota Vikings are unable to agree to terms on a contract during their visit, he is scheduled to visit the Houston Texans tomorrow.
His agent expects him to make a decision very soon, which would suggest he will sign with either the Vikings or the Texans. That doesn't mean another team won't emerge at the last minute, but at this juncture, it would appear to be down to those two teams. Houston is expected to be in the market for Tony Romo, which likely means they have a very specific salary number in mind for Remmers.
The Vikings have more salary cap flexibility and a much more pressing need for Remmers, which would suggest they'll be willing to outbid the Texans and sign the tackle at some point today. Return to the Carolina Panthers isn't out of the question either, as the team could choose to move on from Michael Oher and insert Remmers back at right tackle. We should have a better idea of his new team by the end of the day.
