(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings went 13-4, which was just shy of the best record in the NFL, but come playoff time, they fell well short of expectations.
They lost in the wild-card round to the New York Giants, 31-24, and their passing defense was a problem all year long, as they ranked next-to-last in passing yards allowed.
Minnesota needs help on the defensive side of the football, and they’re looking to undrafted edge rusher Andre Carter II, who they gave a $300,000 base salary guarantee and a $40,000 signing bonus.
One of the biggest commitments ever to an undrafted free agent: The #Vikings signed former Army edge Andre Carter II to a deal that includes a $40,000 signing bonus and $300K base salary guarantee. A sign they believe Carter can make the active roster.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 2, 2023
Carter has played three seasons of college ball at Army, and he won All-American honors during his sophomore season in 2021.
That season, he recorded 14.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, and although those numbers dropped to 3.5 and 7.5 last season, he is still considered to be a prospect who has some potential.
A big reason why is his size — he stands about 6-foot-7 and weighs 265 pounds, which gives him the ability to get past offensive linemen.
The Vikings already have two Pro Bowl outside linebackers in Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter, so Carter will have his work cut out for him if he is ever to become a starter for head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Unlike in some other sports, there have been plenty of undrafted players who have made it big in the NFL, so if Carter has lots of work ethic and desire, perhaps he can eventually become an impact player and help the Vikings take the next step.
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