Brett Jones Archives - Purple Reign News

Let’s Reid between the lines…

In the first few days of NFL free agency, teams have been interested in Vikings offensive lineman Brett Jones. The former Canadian Football League standout is a sneaky good asset, and Minnesota needs to keep him in the north.

Brett Jones is not mentioned often in Vikings news. He usually rides the bench as a backup guard and center, but being on the bench isn’t always indicative of talent.

Jones was one of the top offensive linemen in the CFL before making his way to the states in 2016. CFL talent doesn’t always translate to the NFL, but Jones has good technique and it’s kept him in the NFL for half a decade.

Many fans (including myself) were shocked when he wasn’t a starter last year. His film looked good, and Minnesota was in dire need of an upgrade at left guard.

Regardless of if he rides the bench or is a starter, Jones has big value in his versatility. He has positional experience at guard and center – a trait that most teams in the NFL look for via the draft and free agency. At 29 years of age, he also balances plenty of experience playing professional football and having gas left in the tank. It’s no wonder teams like the Broncos are interested in him.

It would be overkill for GM Rick Spielman to write Jones a blank check, but Spielman should really consider extending a one or two year offer to the experienced lineman. Chances are, Jones would take a veteran’s minimum to stay with the team he’s familiar with.

If Jones is allowed to walk in free agency, it will be nearly impossible to find a player with as much bang for the buck. Keep your eyes on this underrated lineman.

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Subscribe for free. SKOL!

For the first time in years, the Minnesota Vikings have a real shot at putting together a SOLID offensive line, just in time for the regular season.

Can anyone really remember a time when a Vikings quarterback was well protected? Not within the past five, perhaps even 10 years. Hopefully you weren’t fooled by the 2017 front five… the Vikings had a scrappy escape artist by the name of Case Keenum back then. As elusive as a New Year’s resolution, he was able to mask many of the line’s woes.

But the past doesn’t really matter. The only thing Vikings fans can hope for is that GM Rick Spielman learned some lessons in building a Norse wall. The good news? He did. Unlike last year, Minnesota is poised to protect the $84 million man this season.

Here’s the proof:

Offensive Tackles:

As bad as the line has been, Spielman has made some smart moves along the way. Riley Reiff is no All-Pro, but he is reliable and experienced at left tackle. At 30 years old, he makes for a great leader. Opposite of Reiff, draft pick Brian O’Neill proved people wrong at right tackle last year. He didn’t allow a sack in 15 games played… so much for being undersized. With these two, there’s no need to trade for a guy like Trent Williams.

Centers:

Drumroll, please. After seven long years, Rick Spielman finally spent a first round pick on an OFFENSIVE LINEMAN. Wow, what a relief. Everyone loves drafting athletic cornerbacks, but this pick was long overdue. Garrett Bradbury is the missing piece in the offensive line puzzle.

With Bradbury ready to start at center, new and experienced offensive line coach Rick Dennison can slide Pat Elflein back to guard, a position he mastered in college. Spielman also smartly traded for an experienced backup early last season, as Brett Jones is more than capable if the need arises.

Guards:

Elflein looks like the obvious choice to start at left guard, and newly acquired veteran Josh Kline may start at right. But what makes this year different is the open competition for either of these spots. Even if Elflein and Kline win their respective gigs, there’s more talent waiting in the wings. Dru Samia and Danny Isidora are still learning the ropes, but don’t be surprised if one of them is starting by midseason.

Coaching:

The loss of Tony Sparano last year was both shocking and devastating to morale. He was a dedicated coach, and now Rick Dennison will try to fill his shoes. It’s a tall task, but Dennison has what it takes to make Sparano proud. With the aforementioned linemen and his new zone blocking scheme, Dennison will build a SOLID offensive line.

For more Minnesota Vikings lore, join our purple legion… Subscribe for free today! You can also follow us on Instagram or Twitter to continue the conversation

Tag: Brett Jones

One Player Minnesota Vikings MUST Keep Around

Offensive Line No Longer Offensive