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Since being acquired by the Minnesota Vikings in 2016, offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles has been a solid fill-in at a couple of different positions on the offensive line. He’s set to become a restricted free agent, but the Vikings won’t be placing any restrictions on him when the free agency period begins.
Jeremiah Sirles' agent, Chris Gittings, said the Vikings do not plan to put a RFA tender on the lineman. They want him back for next year, and will make him an offer, but the versatile lineman also can explore the market.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) March 2, 2018
Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that Sirles’ agent has been informed the team will not be making him a restricted free agent “tender” offer, which means he will be able to fully explore the free agent market.
After going undrafted in 2014, Sirles spent his first NFL season with the San Diego Chargers. The Vikings acquired him just before the start of the 2015 season, sending a sixth-round pick to San Diego in exchange. He didn’t see the field in 2015, but was a significant contributor in 2016, as he played in 14 games with ten starts. He started four games in 2017 for the Vikings as well.
Sirles is someone that could be a solid backup at either guard or tackle for a team that is looking for depth. It will be interesting to see if the Vikings will end up bringing him back after all or if they think they can upgrade from him entirely.