Vikings Re-Sign Guard Charlie Johnson

I saw this come across my twitter feed a little while ago, and it was confirmed by Ben Goessling over at ESPN: the Vikings have re-signed free agent guard Charlie Johnson.  Johnson has been considered by many here at Daily Norseman to be the weak link of the offensive line, and according to Pro Football Focus, he was ranked 103 out of a possible 144 guards in the NFL last year, garnering a -5.4 overall grade.

Despite that, the Vikings signed him to a 2-year, $5 Million deal ($2.5 Million per year), although it remains to be seen how much of it is guaranteed.  If you remember, Johnson came over from the Colts and was forced into the Left Tackle position when the Vikings cut Bryant McKinnie before the 2011 season.  He struggled mightily, but after the Vikings drafted Matt Kalil, he slid over to left guard in 2012 and arguably had a sub-par year, despite helping pave the way for Peterson's 2,000 yard season.  His play was roughly equal in 2013, but the free agent market for guards this year was perilously thin.  It makes sense to resign him as insurance when the Vikings are unlikely to take a guard in the draft with a high round pick to plug and play as a starter, when there are still so many other pressing needs like quarterback, linebacker and cornerback.

Hey, on the upside, there's always something to be said for a little offensive line continuity.  If Charlie Johnson is the starter in 2014, we'll have had essentially the same offensive line for 3 years in a row.