The Minnesota Vikings could not stop a lot of teams in 2022. Now the search is on for another pass rusher after Za'Darius Smith was dealt to Cleveland.
Only the division-rival Detroit Lions allowed more total yards per game, and only the Tennessee Titans surrendered more passing yards per contest. Despite a 13-4 showing and an NFC North title, the Minnesota Vikings allowed more points (427) than they scored (424) this past season.
There have already been numerous changes to Kevin O'Connell's club on the defensive side of the ball. It started with the firing of coordinator Ed Donatell and the hiring of Brian Flores.
Veterans such as outside linebacker Eric Kendricks, cornerback Patrick Peterson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson are now elsewhere. That now includes pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith, who was dealt to the Browns on Friday evening.
Who could fill the void for a performer that finished with 44 tackles and 10 sacks in 16 starts for the Vikings this past season?
Vikings replacements for Za'Darius Smith
3. Markus Golden
The Arizona Cardinals parted ways with the nine-year NFL veteran this offseason after a less-than-scintillating showing in 2022, at least in terms of sacks. However, outside linebacker Markus Golden appeared in all 17 games for the club and made 14 starts. He finished with 48 tackles (7 for losses), but only 2.5 sacks.
However, the 32-year-old pro was tied for second on the team with 20 quarterback pressures, as many as defensive end Zach Allen, and just five less than J.J. Watt (25).
2. Leonard Floyd
He was one of many veterans either cut loose, traded, or not re-signed by the Los Angeles Rams over the last few months. Sean McVay's Los Angeles Rams went from Super Bowl champions in 2021 to third place and a 5-12 record this past season.
Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd racked up some impressive numbers during his three-year stay with McVay's team. In fact, his three biggest seasons in terms of sacks during his seven-year career in the National Football League came with the Rams.
Floyd began his career with the Chicago Bears in 2016. The University of Florida product was the ninth-overall pick that year. In four seasons with the club, he amassed only 18.5 sacks (plus 1 in a 2018 playoff loss to the Eagles) and never amassed more than seven QB traps in any of the campaigns.
It was off to Los Angeles in 2020 and during his stay with the Rams, he played and started every game with the club. In 50 regular-season outings, there were 29.0 sacks. In a total of six postseason contests, Floyd added four more sacks. He could push newcomer Marcus Davenport for starting duty and certainly wouldthrive opposite standout pass-rusher, Danielle Hunter.
1. Justin Houston
Regardless of whom he has suited up for, veteran performer Justin Houston has made an impact as not only as just a pass-rushing threat but a playmaker on defense.
His career in the National Football League began back in 2011. The University of Georgia standout was a third-round selection of the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent his first eight seasons with the club and after a somewhat-quiet rookie campaign (5.5 sacks), he began to make his presence felt.
Houston would finish his days in Kansas City with 78.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, four interceptions, and eight fumble recoveries. He was named to four straight Pro Bowls from 2012-15 and earned All-Pro honors in 2014, when he led the league with 22.0 sacks.
Houston was released by the Chiefs in 2019 and was signed by Colts' general manager Chris Ballard. He spent two seasons in Indianapolis, did not miss a game, and made a successful transition to defensive end in the team's 3-4 defense. It added up to 19.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.
The pass-rushing force spent the last two seasons with John Harbaugh's club and in 2022, he led the playoff-bound Ravens with 9.5 sacks and corralled Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow in the team's wild card loss at Cincinnati.