Early offseason look at free agency: Ty Nsekhe

Let’s start by getting to know the available offensive linemen in FA.

It’s fair to say that the Minnesota Vikings need to address its offensive line throughout the offseason. Don't fret though, because by the time the offseason is over I sense an upgraded offensive line (not like my sense means anything though).

By “upgraded” I mean that the Vikings add some depth on the line with a couple of veterans and grab a couple linemen from the draft. In terms of available free agents it will be slim pickings for linemen so Minnesota will have to be convincing and smart when it comes to picking up players.

Let’s begin with a tackle from Washington who did a solid job at left tackle when starter Trent Williams was suspended for four games back in 2016 and played with Kirk Cousins until his departure to Minnesota after the 2017 season.

Since that little stint, 33-year old Ty Nsekhe has been a reliable depth guy on the line for the Redskins. Over the course of his four-year run with Washington he started in 16 games, the equivalent of a regular-season.

In 2015 Nsekhe started two games at left tackle. In 2016 he started four games at left tackle and in 2017 he started in three games at left tackle and one game at left guard. Nsekhe participated in 30 percent of the snaps on offense in 2017.

The six-foot-eight-inch, 330 pound linemen participated in 40 percent of the offensive snaps last season. That made it the most of his five-year career. He started three games at left tackle and two games at left guard.

Nsekhe was only called for one holding and three false start penalties in his 403 snaps last season.

Nsekhe played his college ball at Texas State, and even had stints in both the Arena and the Canadian League. He’s someone who’s played at almost every professional football level in North America. He’s a grinder and it seems like he truly loves the game of football based on his resiliency to get back into the NFL, despite getting cut by four NFL teams.

Why should the Vikings consider him?

This was brought up earlier but I’ll bring it up again. Nsekhe spent a few seasons with Cousins. in 2016 he spent time protecting Cousins’ blindside throughout those four games when Williams was out.

He did a pretty solid job and really has seemed to do well when needed to rise to the occasion. He had to face Everson Griffen back in 2016 and held his own against him. Nsekhe even faced Jadeveon Clowney back in November and seemed to do a good job with pass protection once again.

Ty Nsekhe vs HOU pic.twitter.com/u5NvsquzY8

— All22Hype (@All22Hype) January 17, 2019

This guy seems physical and someone who likes to look up field for blocks. I’m not to sure how he is as a run blocker, but based on a few clips he looks to have moments.

Really nice job by Ty Nsekhe of sensing the defender is out-leveraged, creating torque, and finishing him. Keeps looking for work to finish too. Why a team hasn't traded for him to be their starter over the last few seasons is beyond me: pic.twitter.com/8ixE0QM7tp

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) October 29, 2018

Really nice play here by both Chase Roullier and Ty Nsekhe. Nsekhe gets a really nice drive on his man to help open the big hole and Roullier with a textbook kick-out block. Attacks the inside shoulder and drives him to the ground. pic.twitter.com/zdv7dpxS9J

— Robbie Duncan (@RobbieDuncanOL) September 25, 2018

Nsekhe would be a great addition to the line, especially in terms of giving Riley Reiff some competition and could even play some left guard if needed and could also help push Tom Compton.

Last season he was under a one-year contract for about 2.9 million dollars. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if he signed a one-year for less than what he signed last year considering his age. I’d think 2.2 million dollars could work, but I’m not a salary cap expert.

Nsekhe may be older, but I think if the Vikings draft a couple linemen and maybe even snag a few undrafted free agents, then he could help with possibly mentoring those kids. Explaining what it takes to make an NFL roster and stay on one.

NFL free agency begins March 13 after 4 p.m. EST.

from Daily Norseman - All Posts http://bit.ly/2FPqsde